The arrival of the railroad was the true catalyst for growth. In 1915, the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad established a depot in Lake Wales, connecting the town to broader markets and facilitating the transport of citrus, lumber, and phosphate—the lifeblood industries of Florida’s economy at the time. The depot became the town’s bustling center, welcoming settlers, travelers, and goods from across the state.
As the community grew, so did its cultural landscape. By the 1920s, Lake Wales was home to thriving citrus groves, new businesses, schools, and churches. It was during this same era that philanthropist Edward W. Bok constructed the nearby Bok Tower Gardens, which would later enhance the area’s reputation as a haven for art, nature, and heritage. The Lake Wales Museum would eventually become a complementary institution—focused on preserving the human stories behind the land.
The Railroad Era: The Atlantic Coast Line Depot
The building that now houses the Lake Wales Museum began its life in 1928 as a new Atlantic Coast Line (ACL) Railroad Depot. Designed in the Mediterranean Revival style, popular in Florida during the 1920s, the depot featured stucco walls, red clay tiles, and elegant arches that reflected the architectural aspirations of the era.
The station was not just a transportation hub—it was a symbol of progress and modernity. Trains carried tourists from northern cities to Florida’s developing communities and transported local citrus products to distant markets. For residents, the depot was a place of arrivals and departures, greetings and farewells, and the rhythmic sound of the locomotive became the soundtrack of everyday life.
During the Great Depression and World War II, the depot remained a vital artery for Lake Wales. Soldiers traveled through its platforms, and the citrus industry relied on the rail lines to sustain the local economy. However, by the mid-20th century, as automobiles and highways began to dominate transportation, the role of the railroad diminished. In the 1950s and 1960s, passenger service gradually ceased, and the depot fell into disuse. shutdown123