[This feature was published in the July 2005 issue of the Bull Sheet]
Union Stations Across the U.S.
By Beryl Frank
Denver, Colorado
As early as the 1870's, there were at least four railroad stations in Denver. This was especially sad for passengers who had to transfer from one line to another. The streets in Denver were dusty and muddy. Transfer of both freight and passengers had to use them.
The building which brought Denver trains under one roof was the Union Station at 17th and Wynkoop streets. Here the tracks could accommodate both narrow and standard gauge trains. (The narrow gauge was primarily for mountain-bound trains.)
The first Union Station was two and one-half stories. It was made of pinkish gray lava stone and trimmed with pink sandstone. It was topped by a Victorian gothic tower which included a clock. The original plans called for finishing the railroad offices with black and French walnut, but this decor never came to be.
In 1892, two wings were added and the station then measured 880 feet. The section between the two wings housed the passenger services. When this section was burned out, it took two years to replace. The new section was built in red sandstone and the new clock tower was 40 feet taller than the original.
The Welcome Arch gave a look of elegance to Denver's Union Station. It was erected in 1906 in front of the central portion of the depot. After the new portion was completed in 1915, the arch was still standing. But the arch was taken down by the city in 1931.
In 1914, the original terminal company was disbanded. A new group of six railroads demolished the center section and built the Beaux Arts version still in use today. This building was made of Colorado granite on a steel frame.
A postcard with the stamped date of mailing in 1937 described the Denver Union Station as "one of the most convenient stations to be found and handles an immense passenger traffic."
CAPTIONS:
Top.. The Union Station in Denver circa-1907.
Middle.. The Welcome Arch, erected 1906. It was removed in 1931. [Photo courtesy Denver Public Library]
Bottom.. The Union Station in Denver, 1937.
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