The depot at Green Cove was the center of the community serving as the train depot, freight station, post office and general store. William Buchanan and his wife Mary owned and operated the station. The photograph to the right shows the station with their house in the background.

Today the station was donated to the US Forest Service and continues to welcome visitors that pass through the area. During the warmer seasons and still serves as a rest location with soft drinks, snacks and souvenirs for bikers and hikers.

Their home, until recently was operated by their granddaughter as a bed & breakfast. Offering the same hospitality as it did when William & Mary Buchanan welcomed their visitors.

The photograph of the water tank is a rare image taken in Green Cove. These water tanks were located at various locations along the Abingdon Branch because of the steep climb to Whitetop. There was a water tank here and at Creek Junction with two or three other from Lansing, NC; North Wilksboro and Todd, NC.

The photograph at the bottom shows the train coming into Green Cove from Whitetop. This photograph from the excursion train shows passengers in the observation car and you can make out the top of the station with the Buchanan home to the right.