All Aboard at Alexandria Union Station (Historical Marker)

Here follows the inscription written on this roadside historical marker:

All Aboard at Alexandria Union Station
Whether going to their workplace, a vacation getaway or war, generations of passengers have embarked on journeys and were welcomed home at the Alexandria Union Station. It exemplifies the time when railroads were the dominant means of transportation. Built during the “Golden Age” of passenger travel, the station opened on September 15, 1905, and included a freight depot on the east side of the tracks adjacent to the passenger terminal.

The Alexandria Union Station is an example of a national trend to build architecturally significant railroad facilities intended as community gateways. It is Colonial-Revival style with Federal details, and has a Flemish-bond brick pattern not found anywhere else in the city. The station looks much like it did when it was first built. Interior space is the same, however, room uses have changed. For example, the original floorplan had racially segregated women’s waiting rooms and toilet facilities. Radiators are original, and probably the oak settees. The black and white floor tile and square bay window date from 1929 modifications. The freight depot was town down in the early 1980s to accommodate construction of the Metro subway station.

In 1997, the City of Alexandria led a restoration funded through the Intermodal Surface transportation and Efficiency Act of 1991. The restoration addressed accessibility requirements and enclosed the breezeway, but for the most part returned the station to its 1905 appearance.

(captions)
(top left)
Postcard of Union Station, look east, 1920s

(top right)
Alexandria Gazette, Monday, October 29, 1917
Alexandria Gazette, Thursday, November 1, 1917
Alexandria Gazette, Monday, May 26, 1919

(bottom)
Union Station, looking north, circa 1905
Union Station, looking north, circa 1905
Alexandria World War II draftees ready to leave from Union Station November 22, 1943. During the first half of the 20th century many local service men and women left for war from the Alexandria Union Station.

Images courtesy of Alexandria Library, Special Collections


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Nearby plaque inside of the glass encasement:

Lois Walker
1939 - 2013
Lois Walker was a tireless advocate for multi-modal transportation solutions within the City of Alexandria and throughout the National Capital area. Through her efforts, Alexandria's Union Station was donated to the City of Alexandria, a transportation commission was created, and high-capacity transportation corridors were designated. Los served as the President of Virginians for High-Speed Rail, as a board member with the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority and the Virginia Railway Express. Lois was an Alexandria resident for 45 years and a two-term member of City Council. Forever an Alexandria Legend.