Union Station
When it was opened in 1907, Union Station held the distinction of being the largest train station in the world. It also covered more ground than any other building in the United States at that time. It was not completely finished until 1908. At its peak, Union Station employed 500 people. The building is a great example of Beaux-Art architecture, a neoclassical style extremely popular in France.
The beautiful ceiling is one of the most noteworthy points of Union Station. Seventy pounds of 22-karat gold leaf were used to decorate the 95-foot high ceiling. After the advent of air travel, Union Station became somewhat obsolete but is has now since been restored to its former grandeur and is an extremely busy building with shopping, offices, and museums all sharing the space.
Interesting Facts
- On January 15, 1953, a Federal Express train came into the station out of control. The first floor of the concourse collapsed from the impact of the runaway train.
- A scant 96 hours later, the same track was used by President Eisenhower and his contingent as they arrived in D.C. by train.
- The station housed, at one time, a bowling alley, mortuary, hotel, YMCA and a Turkish bath.
- Union Station is the most visited tourist spot in Washington with 32 million visitors a year!
