The construction of the Otago Central Railway had a significant impact on the creation of the Chatto Creek township. 120 men were employed on the works near Chatto Creek, and a general store and butchers shop opened to supply the workers in February 1904. In March a school was established for the railroad co-operative labourers’ children. It opened in March 1904 with 20 children on the roll, rising quickly to 65 by the end of the year. Although the Chatto Creek School was established for the railway workers families, it educated children from the area until it amalgamated with Alexandra Primary School in 1944. The station itself opened in 1906 for both passengers and goods and closed in 1983.