For a town that owed its existence to the railroad, the Oregon Short Line Depot was a centerpiece of the town of Fossil and stands as one of the last remaining visible elements of the town. The depot and most of the town of Fossil moved to its current location in 1902. Also at this time the freight room addition was built onto the building. The depot was a center of activity as freight, mail, and passenger train service linked the town’s residents and trade to other regional centers. During the first half of the twentieth century Fossil was an important shipping center for local cattle and sheep activities. At one time, the town had two hotels, a restaurant, and a school, and had a peak population of 151.