Union Station Turns 100

September 17, 2014 10:38 p.m.

One of Kansas City’s most recognized landmarks is celebrating its centennial on Oct. 30, 2014.

October 30, 1914, Union Station opens to the public. Just after midnight on the morning of Nov. 1, the first train, the Missouri-Kansas-Texas Flyer, arrives at Union Station. The station cost nearly $6 million and was part of a $50 million investment by KCTR that also included track additions, switching towers, viaducts and bridges.

Heralded as one of the most beautiful train stations in the nation, Union Station continues to impress. In fact, Union Station still is considered one of the top 23 train stations in the United States.

Union Station functioned as the region's transportation hub for decades, serving as the gateway to the West for many people traveling through, as well as migrating to other parts of the nation. It also was the station through which the greatest number of soldiers traveled on their way to or home from World Wars I and II. Union Station has been Kansas City’s favorite landmark for decades.

During the 1960s and 1970s when train travel declined and the station fell into disrepair, citizens from across the region came together to save and restore this historic monument. In 1996, a historic short-term bi-state tax, along with federal dollars and private donations, raised the funds to fully restore the station to its original beauty. Union Station re-opened on Nov. 10, 1999.

Today, Union Station is a thriving civic center for Kansas City, featuring many special attractions and serving as the host site for large community events, festivals, business and education forums. Both visitors and residents also make it one of their favorite destinations. Union Station will celebrate its centennial anniversary with a number of special events the weekend of Oct. 30-Nov. 2.

CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION GALA EVENT: OCT. 30

An unforgettable evening
Breathtakingly recreated 1914 surroundings
Cocktail attire and historic Harvey House menu inspiration
Cocktail reception and formal dinner
World-class entertainment, befitting such a celebration
After-party, historic Harvey House-style
Contact Jenn Nussbeck at 816.460.2016 or JNussbeck@UnionStation.org for more details

100-YEAR HISTORY EXPERIENCES GRAND UNVEILING: OCT. 31

Relive Union Station stories
100 years of fascinating Union Station history presented in rich, interactive formats
New 5,000-square-foot permanent exhibition of artifacts and stories
Cutting-edge virtual history tour created by VML