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Vicksburg Union Depot

Coordinates: 42°7′26″N 85°31′47″W / 42.12389°N 85.52972°W / 42.12389; -85.52972
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Vicksburg
Grand Trunk Railroad and Pennsylvania Railroad
Vicksburg Union Depot c. 1910
General information
LocationVicksburg, Michigan
United States.
Line(s)Grand Trunk Western Railroad, Pennsylvania Railroad
Construction
Structure typeone floor
Other information
Statusrestored
History
Opened1870
Closed1972
Rebuilt1904
Former services
Preceding station Grand Trunk Western Railroad Following station
Schoolcraft
toward Chicago
Main Line Pavilion
toward Port Huron
Preceding station Pennsylvania Railroad Following station
Kalamazoo Grand Rapids & Indiana Railway Mendon
toward Richmond
Vicksburg Union Depot
Vicksburg Union Depot is located in Michigan
Vicksburg Union Depot
Vicksburg Union Depot is located in the United States
Vicksburg Union Depot
Map
Interactive map
Location300 N. Richardson St.
Vicksburg, Michigan
Coordinates42°7′26″N 85°31′47″W / 42.12389°N 85.52972°W / 42.12389; -85.52972
Built1904 (1904)
ArchitectWilliamson & Crow
Architectural styleRomanesque Revival / Tudor Revival
NRHP reference No.100010197[1]
Added to NRHPApril 4, 2024

The Vicksburg Union Depot is a former railroad station and current museum located at 300 North Richardson Street in Vicksburg, Michigan. It has operated as the Union Depot Museum since 1990, and was added to the National Register in 2024.[1]

History

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In 1847, the Grand Rapids and Indiana Railroad received a grant to construct a rail line south from Grand Rapids through Vicksburg. This line was completed in 1870. In 1872, the Grand Trunk Railway built a second line through the town.[2] A wood framed depot was constructed at the intersection of the two lines by the Grand Rapids and Indiana Railroad. The Peninsular Railway leased space in the building, and the depot served both lines. This lasted until 1900, when a fire destroyed the building.[3]

In 1903, plans were announced to construct a new depot, servicing both lines. The Grand Rapids & Indiana Railroad hired the Grand Rapids architectural firm Williamson & Crow to design the new depot. The depot opened in 1904. In 1920, Grand Trunk was taken over by the Canadian National Railway, and in 1922 the Grand Rapids and Indiana Railroad was taken over by the Pennsylvania Railroad.[2]

However, after World War II, passenger volumes decreased, and in 1968 the Pennsylvania Railroad ceased passenger operations to Vicksburg. In 1972, Canadian National followed suit. In 1974, all freight service was suspended. Around that time, the Vicksburg Historical Society was formed to preserve the building, and restoration efforts began in the early 1980s. In 1983, the village of Vicksburg purchased the building, and in 1990 it was dedicated as a museum.[2]

Description

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The Vicksburg Union Depot is a single story building constructed of red brick accentuated with stone detailing. It is sited at the intersection of two rail lines. The building has a skewed L-shaped footprint, with two wings each parallel to one section of track. The exterior design exhibits elements of both Romanesque Revival and Tudor Revival architecture. A projecting stone belt course encircles the building, and forms the sill of the windows on each side. The roof consists of a one-and-one-half story gabled central portion with lower, hipped extensions over each wing.[3]

A three-window projecting bay is situated in the center of the track side of the building. Gabled wall dormers, with parapets and arched windows, are located on each side. [3]

References

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  1. ^ a b "National Register of Historic Places Program: Weekly List". National Park Service. April 5, 2024. Retrieved April 5, 2024.
  2. ^ a b c "Union Depot Museum". Vicksburg Historical Society. Retrieved April 5, 2024.
  3. ^ a b c Don Wiertella; Margaret Snyder (November 23, 2023), National Register of Historic Places Registration Form: Vicksburg Union Depot
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