Thursday, May 12, 2011

Union Station

Located in downtown Phoenix, the Mission Revival style Union Station was once the transportation hub for Phoenix travelers. Built in 1923, it served the Santa Fe and Southern Pacific Railroads. At the end of World War Two, the station serviced as many as 18 trains a day. It was closed in 1996 and no passenger trains run through Phoenix any longer.

I think it’s fitting that I accidentally captured a jet taking off from Sky Harbor International Airport since that mode of transportation has pretty ended train travel in the American southwest.

8 comments:

tracy said...

Yes, very good statement in that photo there!

Judy said...

I'm glad the old station is still there. I wonder what it is used for now. I think I remember our Grandparents came on the train once to visit us.

Andrew said...

Yes, I'm wondering the same thing. What is it being used for nowadays? But then again, there are lots of abandoned places around here that still exist. Great photo Sharon nonetheless :-)

Randy said...

I just love this old building.

Mo said...

I'm noticing that the buildings all have a similar feel to them. Was Phoneix mainly built in one period?

Magpie said...

That is something I have never done. Travel a long distance by rail. I think I should be getting at it before it's gone the way of the dinosaurs.

RedPat said...

Too bad there aren't many trains - it is a great way to see the countryside. Years ago I did the train from Vancouver to Toronto and it was a fabulous trip.

Lowell said...

I'm glad they didn't tear this down...and it may come back into use what with the gas prices and environmental damage done by our reliance on fossil fuels...