Canaan Union Depot facts for kids
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Union Depot
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U.S. Historic district
Contributing property |
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The Union Depot during its working life.
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 Location in Connecticut
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| Location | North Canaan, Connecticut |
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| Built | 1872 |
| Architect | G. H. Bundy |
| Architectural style | Gothic |
| Part of | Canaan Village Historic District (ID90001800) |
| NRHP reference No. | 72001317 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | April 26, 1972 |
| Designated CP | December 13, 1990 |
The Canaan Union Depot, also known as the Union Depot, is a historic train station. It is located in Canaan Village, in the town of North Canaan, Connecticut. This building was once a busy place where two different train lines met. It was built in 1872. The two train lines were the Housatonic Railroad and the Connecticut Western Railroad. The Connecticut Western Railroad was later bought by the Central New England Railway.
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A Special Train Station
This station was built in a very interesting way. It sat right where two train tracks crossed almost at a right angle. Imagine an "L" shape! The building itself had a tall, 3-story tower at the corner of this "L".
The Tower and Wings
At the very top of the tower, there was an electric telegraph operator. This person sent messages using Morse code. The station also had two long parts, called "wings." Each wing was about 90 feet (27 meters) long. Each of the two railroad companies used one of these wings.
Dining at the Depot
On the first floor of the station, there was a big restaurant. This restaurant was very important for travelers. Back then, most trains did not have special dining cars where you could eat. So, passengers would get off the train to grab a meal at the station. Over time, both the Central New England and the Housatonic Railroad became part of a bigger company. This was the New York, New Haven and Hartford Railroad. Later, this company joined with another one called Penn Central Transportation.
When Trains Stopped Running
The Canaan Union Depot was a very busy place for many years. It was a transfer point for passengers. People would switch from trains going north and south to trains going east and west.
Passenger Service Ends
However, passenger train service on the Central New England line stopped in 1927. This happened after the New York, New Haven and Hartford Railroad took over. The station was no longer used for passengers after 1971. This was when the Penn Central company stopped its last passenger train, the Berkshire. Regular freight trains also stopped using the line in 1974.
New Uses for the Building
After the trains left, the station found new life. Part of it became a place for retail shops. There was also a restaurant in one of the wings. In 1980, the Housatonic Railroad started running trains again. But they did not buy the old station. Still, the new company kept offices there for many years.
A Historic Landmark
The station is very important because of its history and unique design. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1972. This means it is a special building that should be protected. It was also included in the Canaan Village Historic District in 1990.
A Big Fire and Restoration
Sadly, more than half of the station was badly damaged by arson on October 12, 2001. Arson means a fire was set on purpose. In 2003, the Connecticut Railroad Historical Association bought what was left of the building. They started to fix it up. The outside walls and the tower were repaired. But then, work stopped for a long time. This was because of complicated rules for getting money and talks with the Housatonic Rail Road about safety. Luckily, the project started again in 2014. The town of North Canaan asked for bids to "Rehabilitation of the Union Depot Railroad Station" in 2015. This meant they were looking for companies to help finish the repairs.
Reborn and Ready
In December 2018, the old station got a brand new purpose! A company called Great Falls Brewing Company opened in the beautifully restored depot. This shows how old buildings can be given new life and become important parts of a community again.
