The Main Street Station is open for Amtrack service from and to Richmond, VA. This station was reopened in 2003 due to a history of floods and other natural disasters. The station is one of the National Historic Landmarks.
Main Street Station has two functions, an attraction and depot for Amtrack. If you are making plans to Richmond, you may be arriving at the Main Street Station. While you are the station or if you are just in the area, make plans to look around. This station has a lot of history and has gone through some horrible times. This is an interesting piece of Richmond history which has been saved and given a purpose in the city.
The Main Street Station first opened in 1901. At first, this station was successful but when floods hit the station and caused financial problems for the Shockoe Bottom district the station began to lose its profits. Many people were starting to use air and auto travel and preferred it to train travel. The Broad Steet Station was also bigger than the Main Street Station which also causes the Main Street Station to go under. Over the years, Main Street Station was damaged for floods for hurricanes and then a fire completed destroyed the station in 1976. In 2003, the City decided to renovate the station and reopen it for service with Amtrack. The building also houses some companies such as RightMinds, Inc. and the shed behind the station has some state health offices. The Main Street Station has much to see and explore. It has been able to survive over many years of abuse from weather and economic decline.
