The line between Padiham and Rose Grove opened in 1875. West of Padiham, it opened two years later, as a result of difficulties in constructing the embankments between Great Harwood and Simonstone in the vicinity of Martholme Viaduct.
It was closed to regular passenger trains on 2 December 1957 but special trains operated until complete closure in 1964. Subsequently the station was later demolished and the site converted to an industrial estate. The line through the town and further west has been converted to a cycle way and footpath linking with the Leeds and Liverpool Canal west of the town.
The Martholme Viaduct over the River Calder, on the east section of the line between Simonstone and Great Harwood, remains, and is outside the town about 1 mile (2 km) north east.