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Kelso was developed in 1905 as a Los Angeles to Salt Lake railroad stop because water was easily obtainable for the steam engines. Later the line was sold to the Union Pacific Railroad, which built a Spanish-style depot in 1924 to provide food and lodging for the railroad workers. The site at one time also contained a roundhouse and other maintenance facilities. Development of the diesel engine eliminated the need for water stops along the route, and the depot closed in 1985. In 2005 the depot completed its restoration and is the visitor center for the Mojave National Preserve.

©madretz