Little Rock Union Station stands as a testament to the grandeur of early 20th-century railway travel and continues to serve as a vital Amtrak hub in Arkansas. This historic station, located at 1400 West Markham Street, Little Rock, AR 72201, is more than just a transportation point; it’s a journey through time, reflecting the city’s rich past and ongoing evolution. For those planning to travel via Amtrak Little Rock, understanding the station’s history and facilities enhances the overall experience.
Amtrak Little Rock: A view of the historic Union Station showcasing its Renaissance Revival architecture and clock tower.
Operating hours and detailed information about Amtrak services at this station can be found on the official Amtrak website. In fiscal year 2024, Amtrak Little Rock witnessed an annual ticket revenue of $1,846,990 and served approximately 22,369 passengers, highlighting its significance in the Amtrak network. The facility is owned by US Depot, LLC, with platform and track ownership belonging to Union Pacific Railroad. For regional inquiries, Todd Stennis serves as the Regional Contact and can be reached at [email protected]. For fare and schedule information, travelers are encouraged to visit Amtrak.com or call 1-800-USA-RAIL.
A Historical Journey Through Union Station
The current Little Rock Union Station, the third to grace this location, officially opened its doors in 1921. Its predecessors tell a story of growth and resilience, mirroring the development of rail transport in the region. The saga began in 1872-73 with the construction of the first depot by the Cairo & Fulton Railroad. This venture was conceived two decades prior when the state legislature approved a charter for a line traversing Arkansas from northeast to southwest in 1853. However, financial hurdles and the disruption of the Civil War delayed progress. The original wood-frame Cairo & Fulton depot was a functional structure, housing waiting areas, a ticket office, a dining room, and other essential passenger facilities on its ground floor. The upper level was later repurposed to accommodate hotel space.
By 1906, the St. Louis, Iron Mountain & Southern Railroad, a company formed through the merger of the Cairo & Fulton and St. Louis & Iron Mountain railroads in 1874, decided to replace the first depot. They envisioned a grander station and demolished the original structure to make way for a larger building with a robust concrete foundation. Theodore C. Link, a St. Louis-based architect, was commissioned to design the new station. This second depot, costing approximately $750,000, showcased the popular Renaissance Revival and Gothic Revival architectural styles of the era. It boasted a prominent clock tower and an inviting entrance loggia, becoming a landmark in Little Rock.
Tragedy struck a mere thirteen years after its completion when a fire ravaged the second depot, causing extensive damage. Despite the destruction, some exterior walls and the iconic clock tower remained standing as symbols of resilience. The Missouri Pacific Railroad (MoPac), which had by then absorbed the St. Louis, Iron Mountain & Southern, committed to rebuilding. The ambition was to create a “Union Station” to serve all three major railroads operating in the state capital: MoPac, Cotton Belt, and Rock Island. Ultimately, however, only MoPac utilized the station. E.M. Tucker, another St. Louis architect, was tasked with designing the current station at a cost of $1.25 million. Tucker incorporated surviving elements from the previous station, most notably the clock tower and loggia, into the new design, creating a sense of continuity and historical connection.
Union Station’s Design and Functionality
The architectural blueprint of Union Station was meticulously planned to cater to the diverse needs of railway operations and passenger comfort. The basement level was designed to handle the logistical aspects of train travel, housing baggage, express, and freight rooms. The main floor was the heart of passenger activity, featuring a spacious lobby, separate waiting rooms reflecting the segregation practices of the time for white and African-American travelers, ticket windows, and dining amenities. The upper stories were dedicated to railroad offices, essential for managing the complex railway network.
Amtrak Era and Station Revival
When Amtrak commenced operations on May 1, 1971, Little Rock was initially not part of the service network. It wasn’t until the spring of 1974 that Amtrak Little Rock became a reality. This occurred with the northward extension of the Inter-American route from Fort Worth, Texas, to St. Louis, re-establishing regular passenger rail service to the city. Around this time, MoPac divested from the station, and it changed ownership several times before being acquired by Arkansas native John Bailey in 1991.
By the time Bailey took ownership, Union Station had seen better days. Previous ventures to transform the station into an entertainment, office, and retail complex had faltered. The building was in dire need of significant renovations, including updates to its mechanical, electrical, and roofing systems. A leaky roof had exposed the upper levels to water damage and mildew, and the floors were deteriorating. Despite these challenges, Bailey was determined to restore Union Station to its former glory.
His efforts began with a $30,000 grant from the city of Little Rock to revitalize the station’s façade. In January 1992, Bailey Properties, LLC moved its corporate headquarters into Union Station, signaling a commitment to the building’s revitalization. Notably, Amtrak Little Rock and Slick Willy’s, two of the previous tenants, remained. Under Bailey’s stewardship and with the help of contractor Tom Harding, a phased renovation process began. This included asbestos removal and making the building leasable. Today, Union Station is a multi-use building housing various offices and maintaining activity throughout the day. During these renovations, Amtrak Little Rock services were relocated from the main floor to the lower level, where they continue to operate, ensuring uninterrupted service for passengers.
Little Rock: A City Defined by History and Growth
Little Rock, as the capital and most populous city in Arkansas, carries a name derived from a distinctive small rock formation on the south bank of the Arkansas River. French explorer Jean-Baptiste Bénard de la Harpe christened it “la Petite Roche” in 1722, giving the future city its name. In 1821, Little Rock was designated as the territorial capital, marking its official founding year. The establishment of a railroad line between Little Rock and Memphis in 1871, post-Civil War, was a pivotal moment for the city’s connectivity and growth.
Little Rock’s history is also marked by significant events that shaped the nation. In 1957, the city became a focal point of the Civil Rights Movement when the “Little Rock Nine,” a group of African-American students, sought to integrate Central High School. This landmark event, enforced by President Eisenhower and the 101st Airborne Division, was a crucial test of the Supreme Court’s Brown v. Board of Education decision, which declared racial segregation in schools unconstitutional.
Again, in 1992, Little Rock found itself in the national spotlight when then-Governor Bill Clinton won the presidency, celebrating his victory at the Old State House. Today, Little Rock is a city of cultural richness, boasting numerous museums, including the William J. Clinton Presidential Center, the Arkansas Arts Center, the MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History, and the Arkansas Museum of Discovery, making it a destination with much to offer beyond its transportation significance as an Amtrak Little Rock hub.
