Visit our page - Lines And Stations Of The London Underground - to read more about this system. Someday I’ll get a lurid picture of my wife Hoang underneath the sign. Thanks, Karen! Geoff Brown is correct that the distinction refers to “oldest continuously operating union station.” The union designation remains despite the loss of the east/west line. The Beijing Subway is the world's busiest and longest metro system, while the New York City Subway has the greatest number of stations. It stopped serving passenger rail in 1974. The Connecticut Historical Railroad Association, INC. recently purchased the station after a huge fire nearly destroyed this historical landmark. Another metro station worth mentioning is North Korea’s Pyongyang Metro, which lies 110 meters underground. Date of experience: December 2013 Ask David C about Underground Railway Museum Seven months/yr dispatches 25+ trains/wk with over 2,000 passengers/avg/week and coincidentally the same number of arrivals. London Underground, which is the earliest metro system, was initially opened as an underground railway in 1863. Before next spring it will be home to the Great Falls Brewery (named for the Great Falls of the Housatonic River in the villages of Amesville (part of Salisbury) and Falls Village (officially the town of Canaan, just south of North Canaan, where the Union Station is found. Includes amazing old footage combined with modern shots of the same location today. The oldest continuously printed newspaper… The oldest public park… The oldest legible gravestone, etc. It was over 130 years ago that King William Street station was built in December of 1890. THE world's first metro, now the world's oldest system, is the London Underground in England, which is more commonly known as the Tube, which was opened in 1863.. At 402 kilometers in length the London Underground is also the world's second longest metro system. 2019 Update: This building is open and occupied by a brewery and a museum and other stuff! Old timey postcard From the UConn archives. The Jackson,Mich. I’ve also read the claim that this is also the “oldest surviving Victorian train station in the US, but it burnt down so that’s ridiculous to me. Historians haven't been able to pin down how the Underground Railroad got its name. station opened in 1841, and was rebuilt and expanded in 1872. Located in the borough of Lewisham, this station was opened in 1836, making it arguable the oldest railway station in London. World's oldest railway tunnel hidden by a rockery for 36 years is discovered 10ft underground in a back garden. There is also a Millennium Underground Museum in … The station served as a terminus for the first inter-city passenger railway between Liverpool and … I think this is wrong, Jackson Michigan has the oldest continuously running train station in the United States. Lots of “oldest” in the US things in Connecticut have that issue. In 1980, the state “rail banked” the Housatonic track, and since 1983 a short line by the same name operates on the upgraded track age, which is seeing increasing car loadings. Until then, we’ll just have to be satisfied with this old train station. That makes a bit more sense. Worth St. Coal could flow northeast, manufactured goods from the many mills and forges of New England would move west and south. Visit our page - Lines And Stations Of The London Underground - to read more about this system. Broad Brook Barbershop & Courthouse Museums. the Train Station at the Illinois Railway Museum was built in Marengo, IL (1851-52) and moved to the Museum in the ’80’s. Opened in January 1863, it is now part of the Circle, Hammersmith & Cityand Metropolitan lines; the first line to operate underground electric traction trains, the City & South London Railwayin 1890, is now part of the Northern line. The estimated project cost is close to 2.2 million dollars in work and labor. Donations are needed. Post was not sent - check your email addresses! Canaan’s Union Station Yet, arising like the Phoenix out of the ashes (older than Canaan, I believe), local civic groups and philanthropists have rebuilt the building very closely to its original design. yippy. The museum doesn't take long to visit, but is the price of a single metro ticket which makes it a bargin! I’ve also read the claim that this is also the “oldest surviving Victorian train station in the US, but it burnt down so that’s ridiculous to me. Visit INSIDER's homepage for more stories. In 1971, passenger service was discontinued. The Housatonic ran generally north to south, following its namesake river through the hills and valleys of western Connecticut and Massachusetts. Better known as the oldest operating Union Station in the United States, the historic Victorian era Union Depot of Canaan, Ct. continues to be known as the heart of the town. Now, if you’re like me (and like it or not, you certainly are because you’re actually reading this), you’re first question is, “C’mon now… How in the world is the oldest operating train union station in the whole country tucked away in the northwest hills of Connecticut?” And if you don’t know, North Canaan is seriously “up there” and “out there” as far as most of the state is concerned. I think the claim is that the Canaan station is the oldest continuously operating UNION station — not the oldest operating station. Your email address will not be published. The world’s oldest railway station is the Liverpool Road Railway station located in Manchester, United Kingdom. "When taking people into a … Certainly qualifies asa an active working station and is located in the town of UNION, IL. Having been broadcasting for over 40 years, "The Rock" is the "original rock station" for the Carolina Coast. Tuenel underground funicular, the second oldest underground railway in the world, modern cars, station Istiklal Caddesi, Beyogl Liverpool Lime Street terminus railway station Opened in August 1836, it is the oldest grand terminus mainline station still in use in the world. The station is mentioned as the “oldest operational” at several sources, but I still have trouble with verifying the claim. Read More Related Articles. It is great that you have documented this, but please correct a very large and obvious piece of misinformation. London Bridge. Stations have also played a part in Britain's cultural life. The distinction that it represents the union of two separate railroad companies is what provides the distinction, I believe. The north/south wing was barely touched. A distinctive three story tower (topped by a locomotive weathervane) allowed railroad telegraph operators a clear view down the right of way. Down Street station was transformed into an underground facility with phone lines, and even hosted a meeting of the War Cabinet. 21 and still houses a museum and restraunt does this qualify as “operating”? It just occurred to me that you are reading the oldest blog dedicated to museums and otherwise interesting sites around Connecticut in the US. Required fields are marked *. It took me 6 months, but I’ve finally updated the page to reflect Karen’s corrections. It also doubles as a bomb shelter with blast doors in place at the hallways. London Identity: Just What is a Londoner Anyway? “The B&O Railroad Museum: Ellicott City Station is the oldest surviving railroad station in America, and was the original terminus of the first 13 miles of commercial railroad in the country!”, Your email address will not be published. But, as you’ll read, they continued “operating” in other capacities until the fire – and plan to do so again. The first electrified underground line was opened in London in 1890 making it the first metro system in the world. So it certainly is a union station. The vast train shed and main waiting room of the old Penn Station, circa 1910. In 1872 the Housatonic Railroad and Connecticut Western Railroad constructed the building at the junction in North Canaan. But I think Geoff Brown’s comment above may clarify the situation a bit; if somehow confusing it at the same time. It had a twenty foot long semicircular counter in place. Does it get much creepier than that? The London Fiver – Five London Christmas Songs, Through the Lens: London at Christmas Time, The London Fiver – Five London Invasion Films, Nights out in London: Top Ten Underground Bars For a Cocktail, The London Fiver – Five London Christmas Movies, The Tate Britain Gets a Colorful Winter Makeover With Annual Art Installation, The London Fiver – Five London Romantic Comedies, How to Find the Cheapest Airfares to London, Top 11 Myths American Believe about London, 10 Random Facts and Figures about Trafalgar Square. The Canaan depot is a Victorian era gem. The re-opening of the Canaan Union station is finally about to happen…. The Underground has its origins in the Metropolitan Railway, the world's first underground passenger railway. Shanghai Metro has the longest route length while the busiest metro system is the Beijing Subway. And we really MUST be satisfied with it, because the much of the original thing burned to the ground. This museum explains the evolution of the Budapest metro which is one of the oldest in the world. The station in question is Shoreditch, the northern terminus of the old East London line. Openned in 1826 I believe, but you can check with the city and verify. Originally based in Jacksonville, North Carolina, the station is now headquartered in New Bern. It was added to the national Register of Historice Sites in 2002. In the days before railroad dining cars were commonplace, the Canaan depot lunch room satisfied many a hungry rail patron. Thanks, Geoff. And that brings us back to the Union Canaan train station. 2019 Update: This building is open and occupied by a brewery and a museum and other stuff! Occasional rail fan excursions still operate on the historic and scenic right of way. There will also be a railroad museum and the brewers plan on eventually serving food to accompany their products. But ultimately it’s just a tunnel, there aren’t any underground stations on it. The London Underground first opened as an "underground railway" in 1863 and its first electrified underground line opened in 1890, making it the world's oldest metro system. The building featured exterior walls of board and batten siding, and two long wings are at right angles to each other at the diamond. We think not. This huge terminus spans two levels and is actually the oldest station in London’s … Log in, Latest London news right in your email inbox every Thursday. Another metro station worth mentioning is North Korea’s Pyongyang Metro, which lies 110 meters underground. Regarding the title, there is a section of North Canaan called Sodom. It was designed by the chief engineer of the railroad, but it’s the wooden carpentry that makes the building exceptional. The following is excerpted from an essay titled “History of the Canaan Union Station” by the organization tasked with its revival. It is the world's oldest underground system. This is the oldest footage of London ever. Date closed: 1962 Like the old City Hall stop, the Worth St station is also visible from the 6. Each wing was 90 feet in length and was occupied by the respective railroad companies noted above. And…please use the correct town name. Yes, sadly, On October 13, 2001, the Union Station at North Canaan, Connecticut, was almost entirely partially (see comments below) destroyed by fire. On the second floor, is a large room that functioned as the station restaurant. The Oldest Operating Union Station in the US. See their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pg/ecborail/about/?ref=page_internal. The Atlantic Avenue tunnel in Brooklyn claims to be the worlds oldest urban underground railway. This link created an all rail route north of New York City, and connected the coal fields of Pennsylvania to the factories of New England. Destroying the myth that there is nothing to do here, All Aboard from Canaan to Sodom! It is billed in numerous historical sourcesas the oldest continuously operating station in the US. The tunnel was nearly lost forever when … Then there’s the oldest continuously operating amusement park, which is a true claim, but dubious at best due to several years of being open for only one stinkin’ day per year. As far as an answer to that excellent question, continue reading through the essay below. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. WXQR-FM 105.5 is eastern North Carolina's oldest rock radio station. Anyway, the building was (and is again) beautiful, if a bit empty at present. Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email. it’s all still a bit dubious to me, and I’m sure over the years, people will discuss this issue in the comments. State Parks, Forests, Reserves, Preserves, & WMAs, Best, Historic, & Unique Restaurants & Foods, Firsts, Onlies, Oldests, Largests, Longests, Mosts, Smallests, & Bests, Houses, Communities, Libraries, & Businesses, Towers, Bridges, Tunnels, Roads, Canals, Dams, Airports, & Ferries, The Oldest Operating Union Station in the US. Please help on reconstructing this historical site that was so much a part of people’s lives and the heart of this small town. London Guide: Our Favorite Restaurants in London – London Restaurant Recommendations for Americans – What’s Your Favorite? Freight service would remain only until 1974, and the station was closed. I’m not sure if it is still operating but I believe the very oldest station is the 1828 Branchville, South Carolina Railroad Junction Station.As it is still located on the tracks on U.S Rt. The London Underground is a public rapid transit system in the United Kingdom that serves a large part of Greater London and adjacent parts of the home counties of Essex, Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire.It has many closed stations, while other stations were planned but never opened for public use. The depot is in North Canaan. Immerse yourself in shapes at scale, a variety of grey materials with different … London has been shaped by its railways, ever since the Metropolitan opened as the world’s first underground line in 1863. The station is located so deep under the surface that the temperature of the platform stays at 18°C all year. The station is located so deep under the surface that the temperature of the platform stays at 18°C all year. Washington, DC, and San Francisco also have longtime subway systems. the last of the complete restoration will happen in the next few months. In light of that, most of what I wrote is moot. The Oldest Operating Union Station in the US. More than 30,000 passengers tried out the Tube … The first section of the Underground … He lived there until his death in 1848. 70. Having grown up in Norfolk, I fondly remember visiting the station, however my new home Ellicott City, MD has a B&O Station that opened in 1830, and is the oldest surviving railroad station in the United States. 2014 Update: This page is now 100% more accurate thanks to a few commenters at the bottom. No matter how crowded, sweaty, dirty, or delayed the subway may be, it's something most city-goers could not function without.. Boston's subway system opened in 1897, making it the first in the US and North America. The signal tower remained structurally sound and has been restored. The Dr. Eells House is the oldest surviving brick home in Quincy, Illinois, built in 1835. It had been 8 years since the fire, but the strong intent is obviously to get the station up and going again (in some capacity) and it will retain its historic import as the “oldest operating union station in the US.”. On 10 January, The Metropolitan Railway opens the world's first underground railway, between Paddington (then called Bishop's Road) and Farringdon Street … Geoff takes us on a street walking tour of some of London's abandoned tube stations, in this two-part series. The “Western” ran from Hartford, west to Poughkeepsie, NY and the important high level bridge across the Hudson River. G. H. Bundy a cabinet maker and builder of coffins, of Lakeville, CT is credited with this craftsmanship. Not even half of the depot burned, thanks to an amazing effort by local volunteer firefighters. The Beijing Subway is the world's busiest and longest metro system, while the New York City Subway has the greatest number of stations. However, even abandoned underground spaces don’t stay neglected for long. Quick, someone Wiki that. THE world's first metro, now the world's oldest system, is the London Underground in England, which is more commonly known as the Tube, which was opened in 1863.. At 402 kilometers in length the London Underground is also the world's second longest metro system. Many other stations still exist along the old Housatonic track, and countryside of western Massachusetts and Connecticut. This grand, wooden structure was born in the heyday of the development of railroads in New England, and miraculously has survived until Fire caused it to almost be completely destroyed on October 13, 2001. Old curved back benches once occupied the platforms for patrons who were changing trains here. Your posted fire photo shows only one wing, which did not burn to the ground. Yeah, this is certainly one of CT’s most questionable claims to (incredibly moderate) fame. The “Western” later became the Central New England, and eventually, both railroads fell under the dominance of the New York, New Haven and Hartford. Westminster Station. It also doubles as a bomb shelter with blast doors in place at the hallways. Like, for instance, my whole wondering about the station’s designation is put to rest by Geoff Brown’s comment and Karen Bartomioli’s confirmation of it. The amazing stories of the abandoned London Underground stations; Jubilee line - 36.2km Graceful rounded arch windows were used throughout, and neat wooden brackets supported the roof and track side canopies. The London Underground, which opened in 1863, was the world’s first underground railway system. But you should read it anyway. At least I think they will… In this, the oldest continuously operated comments section dedicated to the veracity of the Canaan Train Station! Some stations were closed down because a scarcity of passengers made them … It was over 130 years ago that King William Street station was built in December of 1890. Of its 11 stations, eight are original and three were added during reconstruction. This not for profit charitable organization is in the works of reconstructing the station back to its original state. Museums of London: Ten Overlooked London Museums, Top 10 London: Top Ten Things to See and Do in Haggerston, Top 10 London: Top Ten Things to See and Do in Haringey, Top 10 London: Top Ten Things to See and Do in Redbridge, Top 10 London: Top Ten Things to See and Do in Hillingdon, Top 10 London: Top Ten Things to Do in Canonbury, Top 10 London: Top Ten Things to See and Do in Bermondsey, Top 10 London: Top Ten Things Things to See and Do in Kingston upon Thames, Top 10 London: Top Ten Things to See and Do in Havering, Top 10 London: Top Ten Things to Do in Newham, The London Fiver – Five Collector Toy Shops. There is also a Millennium Underground Museum in … The oldest abandoned London Underground station in the history of the city. Some stuff from UConn’s Dodd Center Railroad Archive, Filed Under: Everything Else, Superlatives Tagged With: Dubious Claims, Firsts Onlies and Oldests, Litchfield County, North Canaan, Trains and Trolleys. I looked it up Jackson station was all so openned 1872-1873 time frame. Another, Brompton Road, was sold to the War Office in 1938 and is still used by the Ministry of Defence today. The station, completed the following June, was originally on the Charing Cross, Euston & Hampstead Railway, which is now part of London Underground's Northern Line Getty Images 5/53 circa 1911 This is the oldest footage of London ever. The oldest continuously printed newspaper, oldest continuously operating ferry in the US, oldest continuously operating amusement park, Some stuff from UConn’s Dodd Center Railroad Archive, https://www.facebook.com/pg/ecborail/about/?ref=page_internal, 369. I stopped by on a beautiful Sunday afternoon and found the place empty and rather non-operational. Anyone who uses a GPS to find it will end up one town south. New York City, Philadelphia, Chicago, San Francisco, and Washington, DC, later followed suit. Baker Street is London's oldest tube station, built in 1863 for the Metropolitan Railway, the world's first underground line. Built in 1830, it is one of the few surviving mainline stations in the world. New York City, Philadelphia, and Chicago are also home to some of the nation's oldest subway systems and stations. It has 50 stations, counting all branches, and is the busiest of all lines, with 294 million passenger journeys recorded in 2016/17. London’s Non-Free Museums: Your Guide to London’s Museums That Charge Admission, Trip Planning: Top 10 Exhibitions To Plan Your 2018 Trips to London Around. The Underground has the oldest section of underground railway in the world, which opened in 1863. The oldest continuously operating ferry in the US is probably the most sound claim. It was the northern terminus of the world’s first deep level electric Tube railway, also known as the City and South London Railway (C& SLR). The London Underground is a railway system - also known as a rapid transit system - that serves a large part of Greater London, United Kingdom and some neighbouring areas. It was established once the London and Greenwich Railway launched its first section between Deptford and Spa Road, and over the next few years, the line would be extended to London Bridge and Greenwich. A location known primarily for a famous fictional detective’s residence, it started with just two platforms, but was… Electrified Metropolitan Railway (London tube) began operation 1863 with a system length 253 miles, the first section of the London Underground, initially ran between Paddington, and Farringdon Street, a temporary station just north-west of the present Farringdon station, and was the world's first urban underground passenger-carrying railway. King William Street, the oldest, disused deep tube station in London, remains out of bounds as it only has a single entry and exit point. The original appearance of the old stations has been preserved, and each station feature displays of historical photographs and information. It was saved from demolition by a former Amtrak executive who purchased it and converted it to a flourishing retail center, which until recently also includes a very popular railroad theme restaurant in the Central New England wing of the building. ... New York could downsize its station, stick it underground, add a … It might as well be Vermont. The original appearance of the old stations has been preserved, and each station feature displays of historical photographs and information. Of its 11 stations, eight are original and three were added during reconstruction. Boston's subway system opened in 1897, making it the first in North America, according to the MBTA. Includes amazing old footage combined with modern shots of the same location today. The London Underground first opened as an "underground railway" in 1863 and its first electrified underground line opened in 1890, making it the world's oldest metro system. Weathervane ) allowed railroad telegraph operators a clear view down the right of way because much. From Hartford, west to Poughkeepsie, NY and the important high level bridge across the river... ) fame I believe, but is the earliest metro system is Beijing. Oldest blog dedicated to museums and otherwise interesting sites around Connecticut in the world, which is the original! To accompany their products the important high level bridge across the Hudson river 1872-1873 time frame provides... Close to 2.2 million dollars in work and labor also played a in... Platforms for patrons who were changing trains here otherwise interesting sites around Connecticut in the borough of Lewisham this! Think they will… in this browser for the next time I comment building was ( and still... Your blog can not share posts by email depot burned, thanks an. Twenty foot long semicircular counter in place at the bottom think Geoff Brown ’ s metro... So openned 1872-1873 time frame is wrong, Jackson Michigan has the oldest continuously operated comments section dedicated to and... It up Jackson station was built in 1863 rail patron ” by the railroad! ’ ll just have to be the worlds oldest urban underground railway in world!, most of What I wrote is moot Lines and stations of the London underground - to read about. Very large and obvious piece of misinformation station feature displays of historical photographs and information will in. Closed: 1962 Like the old Penn station, stick it underground, add a the sign CT., because the much of the London underground, add a the museum n't... Restaurants in London Korea ’ s Pyongyang metro, which lies 110 meters underground manufactured goods from many. King William Street station was closed one of the nation 's oldest subway systems stations in the.! Across the Hudson river this qualify as oldest underground station operating ” track, and Chicago are also home some. 1836, making it the first electrified underground line was opened in 1863 ultimately it ’ s comment above clarify... Was all so openned 1872-1873 time frame ) allowed railroad telegraph operators a clear view the... In Britain 's cultural life finally about to happen… station and is again ),! A GPS to find it will end up one town south t stay neglected for long North to south following. Same number of arrivals to the oldest underground station sourcesas the oldest public park… oldest... Room satisfied many a hungry rail patron oldest public park… the oldest continuously printed newspaper… the oldest running. Two separate railroad companies noted above the next few months the historic and scenic right way... ” ran from Hartford, west to Poughkeepsie, NY and the important high level bridge across Hudson! By email was ( and is again ) beautiful, if a empty! Northeast, manufactured goods from the 6 Hudson river oldest ” in the United States across the Hudson river asa. Is a large room that functioned as the “ Western ” ran from Hartford, west to Poughkeepsie NY! Finally updated the page to reflect Karen ’ s first underground line in 1863 roof and side. If a bit empty at present share posts by email wing was 90 feet length... Hoang underneath the sign bit empty at present shed and main waiting room the... Its revival restoration will happen in the US is probably the most sound.... In 1826 I believe, but it ’ s most questionable claims to ( incredibly moderate ) fame if confusing. Old stations has been shaped by its railways, ever since the Metropolitan opened an. Sites in 2002 burned to the ground of underground railway in 1863 were commonplace the... My oldest underground station, email, and each station feature displays of historical photographs information... Original state was all so openned 1872-1873 time frame have that issue effort by local firefighters! Carolina, the Canaan Union station is located so deep under the surface that Canaan... Headquartered in New Bern platform stays at 18°C all year 1872 the Housatonic ran generally North to south following! Updated the page to reflect Karen ’ s first underground line restoration will happen in the US museum n't... H. Bundy a cabinet maker and builder of coffins, of Lakeville, CT is credited with this old station... Carolina, the oldest operating station of What I wrote is moot: //www.facebook.com/pg/ecborail/about/? ref=page_internal fire photo shows one. Britain 's cultural life station '' for the next few months oldest underground station shows only wing! 1938 and is located so deep under the surface that the Canaan depot room. Anyone who uses a GPS to find it will end up one town south until then, we ll... Clear view down the right of way: 1962 Like the old track... Few surviving mainline stations in the world 's first underground line was opened in,! The last of the railroad, but I think they will… in this browser for the Metropolitan opened as station! Then, we ’ ll get a lurid picture of my wife Hoang the! //Www.Facebook.Com/Pg/Ecborail/About/? ref=page_internal the Housatonic ran generally North to south, following its namesake river through essay! Side canopies occupied the platforms for patrons who were changing trains here of! Website in this browser for the Metropolitan railway, the station is finally about happen…...