This postcard was produced sometime after 1910. Although the automobile is clearly common at this time, notice that the horse and buggy is still a mode of transportation. Petersburg was once a transportation hub for both rail and boat travel.
Union Station is located on River Street. The Norfolk & Western Railway completed construction in 1910. It served passengers for both the N&W and Atlantic Coast Line railroads. The station is located near what was once the original course of the Appomattox River and the boat harbor. From time to time the river has flooded the downtown area where the station resides. Seen below are photos from the 1940 flood.
Union Station Flooded in 1940.
Union Station Flooded
The N&W Railway’s passenger service covered the east to west territories whereas the Atlantic Coast Line serviced the north to south territories. Below are pages from the N&W Railway passenger train schedule for the year 1966 and photos of passenger service operations.
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- Passengers and onlookers waiting for the final run of the Pocahontas Passenger Service. Photographer: Walter Gay
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- The arrival of the Pocahontas Passenger Service locomotive. Photographer: Walter Gay
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- The arrival of the Pocahontas passenger service. Photographer: Walter Gay
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- N&W Conductor. Photographer: Walter Gay
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- Union Station looking east. Photographer: Walter Gay
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- Union Station trackside view. Photographer: Walter Gay
In 1971 it became an Amtrak station. With passenger lines ceasing operation or being diverted to other stations, Union Station concluded operations in 1977.
In 1993 an F4 category tornado struck downtown Petersburg with estimated winds peaking near 210 mph. The station sustained damage and a nearby caboose that was anchored to the ground was torn from its anchors and thrown about 20 feet.
Today the Union Station has been restored and serves as a venue for private events, weddings, or meetings.
