The history of Union Station is a fascinating story. In 1907,
Washington's train station was built as part of the McMillan Plan to
create a monumental gateway to the nation's capital. Its construction
made space for and shaped the development of the National Mall. The
building is considered to be one of the finest examples of the
Beaux-Arts style of architecture, and today it is the most frequented
destination in Washington, with more than 32 million visitors each year.
Over the past century, Union Station has evolved into a transportation
hub, an upscale shopping mall, and a venue for international exhibits
and cultural events. Images of Rail: Union Station in Washington, DC,
presents the finest images from a variety of sources to document how the
construction of Union Station transformed the nation's capital and
expanded rail service along the East Coast.