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PASSENGER TRAINS OF THE GREAT UNION STATIONS
PRIOR TO AMTRAK
Prior to Amtrak's creation in 1971, many private railroads operated passenger trains throughout the United States. And beyond Chicago, most of the larger cities in the Midwest and beyond had their grand old "Union Stations", hosting nearly all of the passenger trains serving those cities. Included are sample departures and arrivals of trains for each railroad in each city for the years 1942, 1956, and 1971.These pages should give a sense of what it was like to be in those grand old stations during another era, and be able to see the departure boards showing the many trains serving many destinations. An era when train travel was truly an option. An option which hopefully will eventually become widely available once again.
Also included are links to various other Web sites, showing what has become of these great old stations.
MIDWEST CITIES EAST OF CHICAGO
MIDWEST CITIES WEST OF CHICAGO
BEYOND THE MIDWEST - NORTHEAST
BEYOND THE MIDWEST - EAST
BEYOND THE MIDWEST - SOUTHEAST
BEYOND THE MIDWEST - SOUTHWEST
BEYOND THE MIDWEST - WEST
These great stations were well suited for the golden age of passenger trains, but eventually proved to be too large for the declining passenger rail network. Some of these stations were adapted for other uses. And in a few cases, a portion of the station remained in use for the limited Amtrak passenger service remaining in those cities.
"Union" typically refers to a station and station trackage jointly owned by several main line railroads. In many cases, a separate railroad company is formed, jointly owned by the participating railroads.
Some railroads eventually abandoned service at the main downtown stations, terminating at outlying points. And some railroads operated "mixed trains" (combination passenger and freight), which terminated at a railroad yard instead of a main station. These are not listed.
PASSENGER TRAIN ROUTES IN THE MIDWEST
Maps and overview of the basic historic passenger train routes connecting the largest cities in the Midwest, and whether the routes became parts of the Amtrak system. This will enable some of the station arrival and departure data to be easier to comprehend.
LOST COMMUTER TRAINS
A few of the trains serving these great stations were commuter trains. All of these commuter trains were eventually discontinued, leaving Chicago as the only city in the Midwest still with commuter trains.
Information is from various issues of "The Official Guide of the Railways", and from various actual railroad timetables.