October 25, 2025
Selma Town Council Approves Relocation Of Historic Mitchner Train Station
SELMA – In a closely contested vote, the Selma Town Council has approved the long-debated relocation of the Mitchner Train Station, a historic landmark believed to be one of the oldest surviving train stations in North Carolina.
The 3-to-2 decision, made during the council’s August 12 meeting, a $274,000 contract was awarded to move the depot to a Town-owned lot at the corner of Railroad Street and Sellers Street, directly in front of Union Station. The site was acquired in 2022 with the intention of eventually relocating the Mitchner Station there.
Built in 1855—with some local historians believing it dates back to the 1840s—the Mitchner Train Station played a foundational role in Selma’s development. By 1867, the first lots were sold around the station, and in 1873, the Town of Selma was officially chartered. Despite its age, officials say the structure remains in good condition.
For over a decade, the North Carolina Railroad Company, which owns the land the depot currently sits on, has requested that the station be moved out of its right-of-way. The issue has been a topic of discussion for years, with numerous proposals and delays.
The council’s decision now sets a clear path forward. A new foundation is expected to be constructed in September, followed shortly thereafter by the physical relocation of the building. Funding assistance from the North Carolina General Assembly helped make the move possible.
Councilmember Susan Watson, who voted against the contract along with Councilman William Overby, raised concerns about the cost of future renovations, which are not included in the current contract. “Is it the right thing? Have we looked at grants?” Watson asked during the meeting.
Voting in favor were Mayor Byron McAllister, Councilmember Joe Scarboro, and Councilmember Amy West Whitley.
Following the vote, Mayor McAllister remarked, “Let’s get a train station moved.”
While the relocation is now scheduled to move ahead this fall, questions remain about how the historic depot will be restored and utilized in its new location.
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12 Comments
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I’m not a resident of Selma. To move a structure like this, a historic building that has been for over one hundred years. Have the town council have thought about how or if the building would be damaged or shift once it start to come off its foundation. Would the building have any damage once it’s starts moving rather it be from the lift, strapped to areas that need to be hoisted, vibration from moving to another location.
What? Read what you wrote and if it makes sense to you, seek help.
As a crew member of the general contractor involved with this project, rest assured that the Mitchner Train Station will survive the relocation process. We have moved several buildings and houses in partnership with a nationally known company from Pennsylvania.
THIS IS GREAT!!!
I’m so use to it being right there why it just can’t be remodeled where it sits and sort of leave some of its charm, “yes” it was built there in that designated spot to pick it up in move it, it just want sit right with me as a child I use to play around this building a lot and if I’m sleeping in we are on the way to grandma house I always wake up when we get to that building , I never knew and still don’t know why I’m so close to this building maybe it’s the memories, but to move it
Just would not feel the same. But who am I to say how I feel it’s not my choice it is the city.
How is it being used now and if it is not being used then why keep it. It will just keep costing us more money. Just focus on fixing the roads and the road markings. Downtown Selma could use me sidewalks and crosswalks to make it safer rather than a train depot that nobody uses
Not my 🎪 🐘–not my 🐒🐒, but @ Emmanuel–I’m in agreement! Total Boondoggle. If the North Carolina Railroad Company want’s that right of way so bad let them PAY TO MOVE IT!!
Selma could pay to historically restore and rehabilitate it, with Grant funding. This would make an excellent project for our county “Students” to become involved with. Not from Selma, so please forgive me for giving my opinion!
We’ll see if it’s kept historical. Historical renovations cost skyrocket.
My GUESS is that it will cost about 1.3 million to revitalize this magnificent building. With the tax rate as it is, it shouldn’t take long. Moving it is the cheapest step in the process.
My guess is Trump will classify it as as Woke train station and cancel any funding.
You’re obviously a mental pygmy…
The building was given to a family of termites years ago. The termites just never recorded the deed.
Well, guess what? As of Saturday, September 6th, the Mitchner Train Station was moved from its former location to its new location. We met the agreements, details, requirements of our contract with regard to preparing the building for the move. What happens next? We shall see!