The Visual History Of America's Railroad Stations

This book has 700 photographs procured from the Library of Congress that provide a detailed visual history of the stations that connected America's railways in the 18th and 19th centuries. The black-and-white archival photographs depict the grandeur of iconic train depots from New York City's Pennsylvania Station and its sprawling waiting hall inspired by the Baths of Carcalla to Grand Central Terminal and its original ceiling painted with the constellations of the zodiac. Schematic drawings show how the edifices were designed to accommodate commuters at urban stations or facilitate the transfer of raw material and crops at quaint, rural depots. Text written by architectural historian David Naylor explains how railroad stations were originally designed as outposts marking the frontiers of western settlement and evolved to accommodate large crowds during presidential whistle-stop tours or rallies to welcome soldiers home. 336 pages; Hardcover. 11" L x 8 1/2" W.