Union Pacific Depot

A Photographic Documentary of the Union Pacific Depot

Ilya Faibushevich

After the Civil War, Lawrence wanted to establish itself as the railroad hub of the Midwest. By 1880, however, there were only two railroad systems left – the Santa Fe and Union Pacific. In 1882, the Union Pacific bought lots in North Lawrence to build a new passenger depot. The president of the Union Pacific hired a famous architect from Boston named Henry Van Brunt to design the building.

On November 13, 1889, the first train stopped at the depot. This meant the depot was the place to be in town. The depot was the spot f or return and departure of World War I and World War II soldiers. The Union Pacific Depot survived two major floods in 1903 and 1951 when it was filled with water thirty inches high. The Union Pacific continued to receive and send off passengers until 1971. Cars became the main mode of transportation and railroad travel declined.

The steeple was removed in the 1920s because its structure was severely damaged. When the railroad stopped freight service in 1984, it claimed that the building would be torn down in a week. The Lawrence community fought this action and the Union Pacific turned over the depot to the city. Lawrence claimed the depot symbolized the community's commitment to preserving historical sites. The restoration of the project cost millions of dollars and took about five years to complete.

The steeple and canopy were completely redone and are now much like the originals. New floor tiles have been placed where the original ticket counter once stood. The depot is now the visitor’s information center of Lawrence. Nearly one hundred freight trains still run by the depot every day.

Today, a sculpture called "Mobility" stands in front of the depot. Lawrence artist Shellie Bender designed it specifically to be placed in front of the depot. The sculpture celebrates its restoration and its transformation into a visitor’s center.

Mrs. Farrar - Instructor

West Junior High School

Photo II, 1999-2000

Information obtained from the following brochures, both obtained at the Visitor and Conventions Bureau, 1999

Lawrence, Kansas: History of the Union Pacific Depot

Mobility