The Southern Pacific Freight Depot was built in 1906 in a unique style not typically found in Louisiana. Located on 4th Street at Huey P. Long Avenue, it is owned by the Gretna Historical Society, but sits on City of Gretna owned land and is currently being leased for use as the Gretna Farmers’ Market Office.

The freight depot did a full circle! It was constructed at its present site, but had been physically relocated to 4th Street near the mid-century built Jefferson Parish Courthouse.

It was threatened to be torn down in the early 1980s, when former Mayor Ronnie Harris, a preservationist, made arrangements for the old depot to be moved back to its original location. It served for decades as Gretna’s Visitor Center.

The interior of the building was given a facelift recently and the grounds were beautifully landscaped featuring an old railroad push cart.

Photos