Washington Union Station … A ‘Must See’
I enjoy visiting Washington, DC. For one thing, I’ve spent years in and around politics and Washington is where the important stuff happens. It’s easy to sneer at politicians and at the so-called Washington establishment, but it’s been my experience that the vast majority – from Members of Congress and appointed officials to the lowliest staff member – are there for the right reasons.
There is plenty to see and do in Washington – certainly enough to keep you busy and on the go for a week at least. Visit the White House (your Member of Congress can arrange it) and tour the Capitol building (ditto). The Smithsonian all by itself is worth several days. In particular, I got a huge kick from the National Air and Space Museum. The Wright brothers’ plane is there. Lindbergh’s Spirit of St. Louis is there. The Battle of Britain is remembered with a real Spitfire, to me the most beautiful flying machine ever conceived.
Of course, if, like me, you arrive in Washington by train, you will see Union Station. It’s a magnificent building, thanks to a $70 million renovation that was completed 20 years ago. And it certainly makes a convincing case for the argument that restored and renovate train stations can revitalize the surrounding areas in the cities and towns they serve.
Union Station is one of the busiest locations in Washington, with 32 million people a year passing through this wonderful structure. Sure, there are Amtrak and commuter trains coming and going all day …
… but there is also a fabulous food court and some very good restaurants, one offering a traditional entrée from each of the 50 states. And there are lots of shops, selling everything from fashionable clothing to luggage to souvenirs to political memorabilia.
Note, please, that the 100th anniversary of Union Station will be celebrated today and Sunday, October 4th and 5th. Among other things, there will be a display of historic locomotives and rail cars that have seldom if ever before been assembled at one time in one place. Very much worth the trip if you’re anywhere in the general area. (Or even if you’re not!)
Amtrak’s corporate offices are right there in the station and, fittingly, the railroad has taken the lead in organizing this celebration.
Anyway, should you be visiting Washington in the future, or even just passing through, be sure to give yourself at least an hour or so to enjoy Union Station. You will agree that the $70 million was very well spent.
Jim, Washington’s Union Station IS an amazing bit of architecture; somehow it’s suitable for our nation’s capital to have so lovely a rail station. My son worked near there and took to me to lunch once at one the station’s restaurants. A couple of quick observations:
– My understanding is the various “Union Stations” in our major cities were cooperative efforts of the railroads back in the days when passenger service was routinely offered, pre-Amtrak. The name was taken from the “Union” of rails of different companies for the benefit of passengers and these stations were often points of pride for the city. Examples include, yes, DC and also – in my experience – Cincinnati, St Louis and Chicago.
– An awful lot of panhandlers around Washington’s Union Station and also a few poor souls who seem deranged… Not sure of a solution but they do dilute the experience.
– Will we ever see such an architectural undertaking again?