Under Wire in the Emerald City
In 1911 a new station opened in Seattle - not so far away from the current King Street Station. Actually, it was just across the street. The main concourse was truly grand and reflected the importance of the railroads at the time. Union Station (as it came to be known after some initial confusion ) is today one of the fine examples of historical preservation. The original tenants, the Union Pacific and Milwaukee Road, are long vacated but the building stands ornate and proud as it did 100 years ago when passenger trains were called "Varnish" and heavy-weight Pullmans were the preferred mode of luxury travel. Today, Union Station is the hub for Sound Transit and travelers can descend below ground to catch the bus or light-rail from this historic building just as travelers from times past. The difference in decades is unmistakable, however. Today's long distance travelers board the light rail bound for the SEA-TAC International Airport, no...