The Wakarusa Historical Society Inc. was organized by Larry Smith, Floyd Drake, Robert Ehret, Helen Klein and Jack Hess. The goal was to obtain and restore the old Wakarusa depot that was built in 1892 and used for passenger service and freight.
The first train through Wakarusa was in 1873 with passenger service ending around 1930. Norfolk and Western Railroad purchased the Wabash Railroad in 1964 and the depot was closed on May 15, 1975.
On September 10, 1976 Norfolk and Western Railroad donated the depot and to the society.
On December 1, 1976 Allied Mills donated the coal yard land across the street for the new location of the depot. Many hours of labor and money were donated to place the buildings here.
In 1977, the Historical Society sponsored the Quasquicentennial (125 years) of Wakarusa.
During the Quasquicentennial, letters were received from President Carter, Lt. Governor Robert Orr and Governor Otis Bowen. A proclamation was brought from Goshen to Wakarusa by the Pony Express on Horseback to formally announce the 125th year of Wakarusa. The Quadragumcentennial (140 years) was celebrated in 1992 and sponsored by The Historical Society.
