For nearly 30 years, a red caboose and a green passenger train car have been more than just a quirky branch of the Bank of Fayetteville. They’ve been a downtown landmark, a conversation starter, and a small but mighty piece of Fayetteville history. Tucked at the corner of Dickson Street and West Avenue, these train cars were reportedly the only bank branch in the world housed inside a train. Now, with downtown development on the horizon, the cars have moved just a short distance away, ensuring they remain a vibrant part of the city’s landscape.
Fayetteville’s railroad story is full of adventure, growth, and a touch of drama. For years, the railroad served as the XNA of Fayetteville, the hub for all coming and going in Northwest Arkansas. The first passenger train rolled into town on July 4, 1882, connecting the Ozark region to the wider world and transforming life for a once-isolated community. Over the years, three depots served the city: a wooden station lost to fire in 1897, a sturdy brick-and-stone replacement, and the current 1925 Spanish-style depot, which once buzzed with six trains a day and now houses a Chipotle restaurant. Nearby, the Freight House—once home to Arsaga’s at the Depot—remains a tangible link to the city’s railroading past, reminding locals that downtown Fayetteville has always been a place of movement, commerce, and creativity.
The Bank of Fayetteville’s train cars became part of that legacy when John Lewis, the bank’s president, transformed them into a branch that captured the imagination of the community. Now, as a Hilton-brand hotel prepares to rise on the original site, developers Greg House and Ted Belden have stepped in to preserve the cars. They’ll be relocated to a spot adjacent to the Razorback Greenway and the Freight House, just 100 yards away. “They’re going to stay in downtown Fayetteville and be part of our culture and history moving forward,” Belden and House said, noting that the considerable expense of moving the cars is a small price to pay to preserve a community treasure.
Looking ahead, the future for the train cars is designed to honor both history and the city’s playful spirit. Plans call for vintage-style lounge spaces inspired by the elegance of the Orient Express. The passenger car could become a cozy coffee shop, the caboose a whimsical ice cream spot, and the Freight House could host a bar, bakery, and retail shops. Together, the spaces promise to become a “distinctive and memorable destination” for locals and visitors alike.
Preserving the train cars isn’t just about nostalgia—it’s about keeping a tangible connection to Fayetteville’s story. From the first trains that opened the Ozarks to the evolution of downtown spaces like the Freight House, these historic pieces remind residents that growth and tradition can coexist. With the cars moving to their new home along the Greenway, Fayetteville is poised to celebrate its past while creating a lively, engaging space for the present and future. As the cars prepare for their journey, the developers are inviting the community to share ideas for their new life. It’s a chance for locals to help shape a piece of history, proving that when a city treasures its past, it can create something truly magical for everyone.
"These train cars will remain in downtown Fayetteville as a lasting part of our community’s culture and history." - Ted Belden & Greg House
From the first trains that opened the Ozarks to the evolution of downtown spaces like the Freight House, these historic pieces remind residents that growth and tradition can coexist