Union Station, Washington, D.C.
Posted by: 
Harelips
N 38° 53.826 W 077° 00.446
18S E 325913 N 4307273
The railroad station serving the Nation's capital for over 90 years.
Waymark Code: WMTNY
Location: District of Columbia, United States
Date Posted: 10/09/2006
Views: 160
"Opened on October 27, 1907 and completed in 1908, Union Station is considered to be one of the finest examples of the Beaux-Arts style of architecture. Architect, Daniel Burnham designed the building to be monumental in every respect and to serve as a gateway for the capital city.
At the time it was built, the Station covered more ground than any other building in the United States and was the largest train station in the world. The Station sits on the edge of an area once known as "Swampoodle," an infamous shantytown located on the sewery remnants of Tiber Creek. The total area occupied by the Station and the terminal zone was originally about 200 acres and included 75 miles of tracks. In fact, if put on its side, the Washington Monument could lay within the confines of the Station's concourse.
For half a century and through two world wars, Union Station served Washington and the U.S. as a major center of transportation and the venue for many historic events. On April 14, 1945, a funeral train crossed the Potomac and backed into Union Station carrying the casket of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt.
In 1981, Congress enacted the Union Station Redevelopment Act of 1981, which called on Transportation Secretary Elizabeth Dole to develop an ambitious plan for the commercial development of the station with the goal of making it financially self-sufficient. A unique public/private partnership was formed to faithfully restore the building to its original state and create a viable mixed use transportation center.
Following three years of renovation at a cost of $160 million, Union Station reopened on September 29, 1988 - restored to its former glory. This living and working museum was redeveloped as a bustling retail center and intermodal transportation facility. In addition to over 130 unique shops and restaurants, Union Station is the hub for Amtrak's headquarters and executive offices.
Today, Union Station continues to make history as the most visited destination in the nation's Capitol with over 29 million visitors a year. World-class exhibitions and international cultural events are hosted here for the public to enjoy. Private special events such as the Presidential Inaugural Ball and citywide galas are celebrated in the grand halls. Even today, U.S. Presidents still patronize Union Station."
Source: www.unionstationdc.com
Is the station/depot currently used for railroad purposes?: Yes
Is the station/depot open to the public?: Yes
If the station/depot is not being used for railroad purposes, what is it currently used for?:
Shopping
Historical site
Tours
What rail lines does/did the station/depot serve?: CSX, Amtrak, Metro
Station/Depot Web Site: [Web Link]
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Visit Instructions:
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