Tag: Union Station

Washington Union Station is an architectural masterpiece that was designed by Daniel Burnham. It was opened in 1907, as a result of a decree from Theodore Roosevelt to provide a rail station worthy of the nation’s capital.

As you arrive you are greeted by Columbus Circle, along with a statue designed by Lorado Taft in 1912. This fountain symbolizes the 1492 expedition to the New World. The 3 flags represent the 3 ships, the figures on each side represent the new world and the old world.

The large bell is a scale replica of the Liberty Bell, and was cast by the same foundry in, ironically, Great Britain. This bell however was completed in 1976.

The colonnade is a signature Burnham design.

As you look down Delaware Avenue you get a sense of how close you are to the Capitol Building.

The Main Waiting Room, a misnomer now, is one of the largest rooms in the country, with 96′ high ceilings in a room that is 760′ along the entire corridor.

There are 36 Roman Centurions standing guard around the hall.

The entrance to the East Hall has a line of these Centurions as well as a great clock.

A close up of the clock shows the ‘4’ in Roman numerals is not IV, rather it is shown as IIII.

The East Hall was originally a dining room, with a Pompeii look.

A close up of some of the East Hall artwork.

The food court was once the train shed.

This view shows how it was outside the original Main Hall.

Washington’s Union Station is truly one of the great train stations in the country – well worth a stop, even if you drove of flew to the city.