Union Station (Indianapolis, Ind.)

Originally built in 1853, Union Station had a dramatic effect on the growth and development of Indianapolis. It was one of the earliest attempts by a major American city to unite the passenger and express freight services of several competing railroad companies in a single terminal. The original depot was replaced in 1888 by the Romanesque-Revival structure know today as the Grand Hall. After World War II, rail travel began to decline and by 1979 the terminal was served by few trains. In the 1980s the city renovated Union Station, turning it into an urban festival marketplace. By 1996 the mall was closed due to declining patronage and high maintenance costs. Since then the city has attempted to find tenants but its use has been intermittent and largely vacant.

From the description of Collection, 1882-1996. (Indiana Historical Society Library). WorldCat record id: 70679480