Tales from Tennessee and Beyond: Nashville Union Station

Nashville's Union Station is one of the most ornate railroad stations in the country. It is regarded by historians as "one of America's finest examples of the Richardsonian-Romanesque architectural style." Work began on Union Station in 1898 and the building was completed in 1900. The building is constructed entirely of stone. Union Station served as the hub for both the Louisville and Nashville and the Nashville, Chattanooga, and St. Louis Railroads. The most famous feature of the building's exterior is the clock tower, and the interior features a sixty five foot high lobby with stained glass all around. The station was actually built at an elevation relative to the railroad tracks. Union Station's train shed was the largest unsupported structure in the United States for its time. It was able to house ten multi car trains. Rooms throughout the building served as bedrooms for overnight guests staying in Nashville. Union Station reached its peak during World War II as it served as the shipping out point for thousands of local soldiers. By the 1960s Americans chose to either drive or fly to get to their destinations. The passenger train industry suffered as a result and Union Station was closed. In 1980 a group of investors came forward and purchased the building. They restored it, making it a full time hotel. The famous train shed was not as lucky. Plans had been in the works to repurpose it, but in 2000 it was heavily damaged by fire and had to be razed. Union Station operated independently until 2012 when Marriott purchased it making it part of their network of hotels. In 1969 Union Station was added to the National Register of Historic Places. Union Station serves as another fine example of successful historic preservation. At Moore Historical Consulting my #1 priority is historic preservation. Do you own an historic home, commercial building, or farm? If so contact me today to learn more about the historic preservation strategies I offer. These include nominations to the National Register of Historic Places, nominations for a Permanent Conservation Easement, and nominations to the Century Farms program. At Moore Historical Consulting I make exploring and preserving your past fun and easy.