Harrisburg in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Old Pennsylvania Railroad Station
Harrisburg grew from its earliest days due to its strategic location as a gateway to western expansion, becoming one of the most important inland centers of U.S. transportation and trade. The development of rail lines along the same routes as the earlier canal systems converged in downtown Harrisburg. The original portion of the present station was opened November 23, 1887 at 8:00 p.m. Constructed of pressed laid brick in red mortar, Hummelstown Brownstone and terra cotta trim, the building cost $206,261. This complex was expanded in 1902 and 1910. Built by the mighty Pennsylvania Railroad, which established major operations in Harrisburg, it was the fourth train station on this site. The first was built in 1837 by a rail forerunner. It gave way to two facilities in 1849 and 1857, with both operated by the Pennsylvania Railroad. Queen Anne in style, the present building was a hub for millions of rail passengers over a century. In 1922, during railroading's Golden Years, more than 100 trains arrived and departed here each day. Listed in the National Register of Historic Places, the Old Pennsylvania Railroad Station, now the Harrisburg Transportation Center, is particularly distinguished by its lofty train sheds, a rarity in the United States, and by the thorough restoration that presents to current and future rail passengers a fitting "welcome mat" to the city which lies beyond.
[Captions:]
The predecessor to the present railroad station was the site of Lincoln's Funeral Train in 1865.
Old Pennsylvania Railroad Station shortly after construction in 1887.
Old Pennsylvania Railroad Station Circa 1910.
Erected by The Harrisburg History Project Commissioned by Mayor Stephen R. Reed.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Railroads & Streetcars. In addition, it is included in the Pennsylvania Railroad (PRR), and the Pennsylvania, The Harrisburg History Project series lists. A significant historical date for this entry is November 23, 1977.
Location. 40° 15.728′ N, 76° 52.744′ W. Marker is in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, in Dauphin County. Marker can be reached from Grace Street just north of South 4th Street, on the left when traveling east. Marker is on the grounds of the Pennsylvania Railroad Station near the intersection of Market and Aberdeen Streets. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 413 Market St, Harrisburg PA 17101, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Zion Lutheran Church (within shouting distance of this marker); Maurice K. Goddard (within shouting distance of this marker); Presidential Convention (within shouting distance of this marker); 333 Market Street (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Mulberry Street Bridge (about 500 feet away); Lochiel Hotel and Colonial Theater (about 600 feet away); Underground Railroad (about 600 feet away); Thomas Morris Chester (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Harrisburg.
Credits. This page was last revised on May 5, 2024. It was originally submitted on March 27, 2008, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. This page has been viewed 3,714 times since then and 49 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 27, 2008, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. 3. submitted on October 11, 2015, by Howard C. Ohlhous of Duanesburg, New York. 4. submitted on November 6, 2015. 5. submitted on October 11, 2015, by Howard C. Ohlhous of Duanesburg, New York.