Amtrak - Richmond Transportation

Richmond Travel Guide

Old things die hard in Richmond. This Beaux Arts style stationed opened up in 1901 at a time when railroad travel was at its peak and the elabourate design of train stations was a mark of town pride. It closed in 1975 and stayed closed for 28 years. What were they thinking when they closed Main Street Station in favour of the nondescript Staples Mill Station? Newer isn't always better. As you go into the main reception area, the tiled walls of this hall once had the ticket office. The old safe door is still there. As you go to the main staircase, you will see the high water mark from Hurricane Camille and the sconce lights with the C & O and the Seaboard (railroad) logos. The grand waiting room is framed by 22-foot (6 m.) columns, many of which was destroyed by a fire in 1983. The columns and the glass floors were restored on the grand reopening. The station's concourse leads into the current waiting room and the train platform. The seating is a reproduction of the original benches. The concourse clock was once at the Broad Street Station (where the Science Museum is now). Travelers on I-95 know they're in Richmond when they see this four-faced clock 110 feet (34 m.) above the city. Near Main Street Station is the world's only tri-level railroad track. Main Street Station is a tough customer. It has been through several hurricanes, abandonment, and fire. It deserves to reclaim its slot as Richmond's premier passenger rail station.

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