The 7 most iconic and beautiful train stations in the U.S.
There is definitely something very special about trains. It is a very different and special way of traveling in all possible perspectives. The things that you can call even more amazing and special than trains are train stations. Train stations are such a fine combination of art, architecture, engineering and service. They are and have been so important for the development of a city and a country itself, because it is in the stations where passengers and travelers started to expand their horizons, more than 100 years ago. These places have witnessed so many welcoming hugs and goodbye kisses that the sense of caring and preserving will remain for these beautiful buildings.
Here is a list of the seven most important and iconic train stations in the US, who are considered being a very important part of the transportation and development history of the country.
New York Grand Central Terminal
The New York Grand Central Terminal is officially 103 years old. Since it was built in 1913 it has been considered a unique architectural and engineering construction icon. More than 750.000 visitors circulate around the station on a daily basis and more than 750 trains arrive and depart every day from this station. It has become one of the places that tourists must see when visiting New York. The station has a blue-green Main Concourse that is 12 story high and has been the main theme of many photos taken here by people from all over the world.
Chicago Union Station
The Chicago Union Station was opened in 1925, but its construction started in 1913. It is the only one of the four stations in Chicago that handles intercity trains. It was built in order to replace the Grand Passenger Station that was becoming insufficient and overcrowded in the city. It has a beautiful Great Hall that is used for gig events and it has even appeared in Hollywood movies.
Los Angeles Union Station
The Union Station of Los Angeles is very special in terms of architecture. Opened in 1939, this station was built, Blending different styles such as Spanish Colonial, Art Deco and Mission Revival. The waiting room has a marble floor that has witnessed the production of many Hollywood movies in this place. The oversized building will welcome visitors with the beautiful Californian palm tree landscape on the outside.
Washington D.C Union Station
The Union Station of Washington DC was opened in 1907. It is actually a real piece of art and very interesting to watch and enjoy the details on the inside of the building. A blend of classical architecture and Beaux Art and the presence of naked warrior statues will make your curiosity come out at some point. This station is one of the busiest in the country. Every year, more than 32 million passengers either arrive or depart from this station from and to the rest of the country.
Denver Union Station
The Denver Union Station waited 100 years to be reconstructed and renovated. Built in 1914, and reopened with a new look on the inside and outside in 2014, the Denver Union Station shows a mix of old and new architecture. One of the nicest features of the new version of this station is the glass roof that opens allowing visitors and passenger to see the sky from inside.
Philadelphia 30th Street Station
Philly’s 30th Street Station is definitely an Art Deco icon. The nine story high ceiling of the great hall, combined with windows on every side and beautiful chandeliers, give this station the perfect blend, between natural and artificial light. One of the most precious details in this station is the sculpture located at one of the ends of the hall. The sculpture is an angel that is carrying a soldier in his arms. The station also saves the memory of the more than 1300 employees of the Pennsylvania railroad who died in World War II. This station opened in 1933 and is considered the last of the monumental train stations built in the country. It serves over 4 million passengers annually.
Boston South Station
The South Station in Boston is the most important station in the city. It was opened in 1899, on January 1, and was considered to be the largest railroad station in the world and the largest structure in Boston, at the same time. Today it serves around 1.5 travelers. It was registered as a historic place in order to preserve it before it was demolished.
