Yesterday, we posted a photo of a railcar. Today, we are featuring the first railway passenger station in Greensboro. We owe much of the early rail traffic through Greensboro to Governor John Motley Morehead. While he died before the above station was built, he played a major role in having the trains travel through Greensboro. Governor Morehead's home is just a few blocks northeast of this rail station. The Southern Railroad Company commissioned the Southern Railway Station, which opened in 1899. The exterior is made of brick with granite trim. The station served travelers coming in and out of Greensboro.
This depot at 400 South Elm Street was replaced in 1927 by the J. Douglas Galyon Station on East Washington Street. The above building has changed considerably over the last 122 years. According to Preservation Greensboro, the elaborate Victorian elements were removed.* While the turreted roof is long gone, the round brick support feature on the northeastern side of the building is still a noticeable feature. Also missing is the 3rd floor which was built under a clay roof filled with dormers. As of 1980, the has been on the National Register as part of the downtown Greensboro Historic District. So, hopefully, the building will be around for a very long time and will be repurposed into something Greensboro fabulous. The neighborhing Cascade Saloon was rescued and brought back to life by the Christman Company. The depot deserves to be restored. You can tell by the above photo that is has good bones. Happy Thursday, dear readers!
*reference and more information HERE.
Lovely architecture!
Posted by: William Kendall | Thursday, January 28, 2021 at 09:25 AM
FYI, this wasn't the first Depot / Station in Greensboro. Richmond & Danville and Cape Fear & Yadkin Valley (A&Y) RR's both had earlier Depots in Greensboro. Both these earlier depots were located close to the location of the 1899 Depot you posted. Southern Railways also had a earlier wooden Depot / Freight Station on the same spot as this brick 1899 Depot. Great Photo as usual, always enjoy your daily photos!!
Posted by: Nollie W. Neill, Jr | Thursday, January 28, 2021 at 01:34 PM