Union Station in Washington, DC (Images of Rail)

The history of Union Station is a fascinating story. In 1907, Washington’s train station was built as part of the McMillan Plan to create a monumental gateway to the nation’s capital. Its construction made space for and shaped the development of the National Mall. The building is considered to be one of the finest examples of the Beaux-Arts style of architecture, and today it is the most frequented destination in Washington, with more than 32 million visitors each year. Over the past century, Union Station has evolved into a transportation hub, an upscale shopping mall, and a venue for international exhibits and cultural events. Images of Rail: Union Station in Washington, DC, presents the finest images from a variety of sources to document how the construction of Union Station transformed the nation’s capital and expanded rail service along the East Coast.