National Train Day Honors Railways
Amtrak Hosts Events in Honor of Rail Travel on May 9
Apr 18, 2009
The railroad in America is a time honored and historic mode of travel and transportation. Railways crossed the nation for over a century, with towns in the frontier popping up along the railroad. For many years train travel was the classiest and most upscale mode of travel for the elite of society.
Transportation has evolved, with automobile and then airplane travel gaining favor with most cross country travelers. After 140 year of cross country transportation, the railroad is still an excellent method of travel. In honor of the history of rail travel in the United States, is National Train Day, celebrated on May 9, 2009.
National Train Day Commemorates Rail Transportation
National Train Day commemorates the day that the first transcontinental railroad was created. The day does not just look back; it looks forward to the future of rail travel. There will be train events across the nation, with large scale events being held in Washington D.C., Philadelphia, Chicago and Los Angeles.
National Train Day gives people a glimpse into the history of rail travel and the role that railways played in shaping America. Exhibits will showcase how train travel provides travel options that are “green” or eco friendly.
Amtrak will host events in honor of National Train Day at each of its gateway stations in the U.S. from 10 am to 3 pm. The events will be family friendly and allow children and adults to discover the joys of train travel. Each of the events will include musical entertainment, VIP appearances, interactive green exhibits, Kids corner and train exhibits representing the past present and future. In addition to the events in Washington D.C., Philadelphia, Chicago and Los Angeles; the communities across the nation are encouraged to sponsor local events for National Train Day.
National Train Day Events
- Washington D.C. – Union Station, 50 Massachusetts Avenue NE. Exhibitions include J. Craig Thorpe Exhibit art gallery, Model Trains Exhibit, Kids Corner and National Train Day Store.
- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania – 30th Street Station. 30th and Market Street. Exhibitions include J. Craig Thorpe Exhibit, Model Trains Exhibit, Pullman Porter Tribute Ceremony, Kids corner and National Train Day Store.
- Chicago, Illinois – Union Station, 225 South Canal Street – Exhibitions include J. Craig Thorpe Exhibit, Model Trains Exhibit, Kids’ Corner and National Train Day Store.
- Los Angeles, California – Union Station, 800 North Alameda Street – Exhibitions include J. Craig Thorpe Exhibit, Model Trains Exhibit, Kids Corner and National Train Day Store.
The National Train Day website lists additional events across the nation. The free events are a great family event that educates children and adults about the railway as a mode of transportation.
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