The 1932 train depot retains its beauty and functionality and continues to host thousands of visitors annually who admire the original marble and terrazzo walls and floors, majestic columns, ornate wall furnishings and massive light fixtures. The original wood benches invite patrons to rest awhile, and the newsstand and ticket counter are a constant reminder of the romantic age of travel by rail.
In 1876, Galveston’s first railroad depot was built at the corner of Avenue A and 23rd Street. The simple, one-story structure was operated by the Galveston, Henderson, and Houston Railroad. The G. H. & H. was chartered in 1853 to build a rail line connecting Galveston to Henderson, Texas through Houston. For many years, it was the island’s only rail connection to the mainland.
In 1873, a second rail line was chartered out of Galveston. The Gulf, Colorado, and Santa Fe Railroad also operated out of the G. H. & H. depot. However, G. C. & S. F. executives realized that the company needed a larger depot with space to accommodate its expanding operations.
In 1896, construction began on a new Union Depot building at the corner of 25th Street and the Strand. The modern facility was designed to make a positive first impression on new visitors to the city. The four-story, red brick building was designed by Dallas architect A.J. Armstrong. The new depot was described as “one of the most complete and imposing of its kind in the Southwest,” by the Galveston Daily News in February 1897.
In 1914, the Santa Fe Railway added an eight-story office building next to the 1896 depot. The two structures were connected via a two-story annex in 1919.
The 1896 depot was razed in 1931 when construction of a new Santa Fe Station began. Although railroad operations closed during the late 1960s, the building still stands today.
Formerly Galveston Union Station, The Center for Transportation and Commerce was established by a Moody Foundation grant in 1972 initiated by Mary Moody Northen. The grant funded the restoration and repurposing of the Santa Fe Building, now known as Shearn Moody Plaza. Situated on five acres of railyard, the station was once a thriving, operating train station that served major railroad companies including Union Pacific, Santa Fe Railroad, and Southern Pacific Railroad, who transported merchandise to and from the Galveston Wharves to various locations across the United States. Travelers enjoyed outstanding meals and service at the Harvey House located in the depot.
Eventually, the Harvey House counter gave way to an exhibit space, and the museum exhibits of rolling stock beckon to the Garden of Steam where guests are encouraged to climb aboard the vintage, fully restored railcars an immersive experience. The real adventure continues aboard the Harborside Express where visitors can ride a real caboose or board a steam engine. Sleep and dining cars, passenger cars and a railroad post office are all here for inquiring minds.
The train station continued to operate until the late 1960’s and the Harvey House hosted patrons until the depot discontinued personal travel operations. After The Moody Foundation acquired the property, plans to restore, and repurpose the station to house a museum were facilitated.
