A railroad depot is a building or facility where trains stop to pick up and drop off passengers and cargo. It typically includes waiting areas, ticket counters, and sometimes shops or restaurants. Depots serve as important hubs in the railroad network, connecting different routes and communities. In addition to passenger services, depots often handle freight operations, allowing goods to be loaded and unloaded. Many historic depots, such as those built in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, showcase unique architectural styles and are significant to the history of transportation in the United States.