History of the Depot
The historic train station that now houses Claire’s at the Depot has a rich history dating back to 1852. Originally built to serve the Warrenton Branch, this depot connected the town of Warrenton to the Orange and Alexandria Railroad, running 8.9 miles from nearby Calverton. In the mid-1980s, the line was shortened to 5 miles, extending only to Casanova.
One of the engineering marvels of the time was an air-operated turntable at the depot, used to rotate locomotives by harnessing the air brake system’s compressed air. The Warrenton Branch provided both passenger and freight services, making it a vital transportation hub.
During the Civil War, the depot was a center of activity, serving as a crucial supply line for both Union and Confederate forces and witnessing several battles. Following the war, the line saw new ownerships and eventually became part of the Southern Railway in 1896. The depot also became the backdrop for a dramatic moment in history when an angry citizen attempted to assassinate Confederate cavalryman John S. Mosby, known for befriending Ulysses S. Grant.
Passenger service at the depot ended in 1941, and the railroad’s decline continued until the mid-1970s when all train services ceased.
In 1976, the depot was given a new lease on life when it was renovated and transformed into a restaurant by the Dorbayans. In 2005, Claire Lamborne purchased the property, reopening it as the beloved Claire’s at the Depot, where history and fine dining continue to come together in a unique and elegant setting.