Union Station: A Brief History
For residents of Los Angeles, California, Union Station is a household name. It is not only the city’s main train station but also a major tourist attraction. Serving over 100,000 passengers a day, it is hard to believe that this place was once in danger of being demolished.
Union Station opened in May 1939 as a replacement for La Grande Station. The new station combined the services of the Southern Pacific Railroad, the Union Pacific Railroad, and the Santa Fe Railroad. With its art-deco design and Hollywood film star opening ceremony, Union Station was an instant hit. It soon became known as the “Last of the Great Railway Stations” built in America.
However, by the 1970s, Union Station was in danger of being demolished due to years of disrepair and declining ridership. A grassroots effort to preserve the station emerged and eventually led to its revitalization. Today, Union Station is once again a thriving hub of activity with restaurants, shops, and even a hotel. It is truly a place worth visiting whether you are a local or just passing through.
If you have never been to Union Station in Los Angeles, California, then you are missing out on an iconic piece of history. This art-deco style train station has been around since 1939 and has served as the backdrop for many Hollywood films over the years. Even if you are not taking a train trip anytime soon, it is worth stopping by to see this beautiful building and all it has to offer.