Rocky Mount station facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Rocky Mount, NC
Amtrak inter-city rail station
Location	101 Hammond Street Rocky Mount, North Carolina United States
Coordinates	35°56′17″N 77°47′52″W / 35.9380°N 77.7977°W / 35.9380; -77.7977
Owned by	City of Rocky Mount
Line(s)	North End Subdivision
Platforms	1 side platform
Tracks	2
Bus routes	8
Bus stands	7
Bus operators	Greyhound Lines Tar River Transit
Construction
Structure type	At-grade
Parking	35 spaces; free
Bicycle facilities	Bicycle racks
Disabled access	Yes
Architectural style	Romanesque Revival
Other information
Station code	RMT (Amtrak)
History
Opened	1893
Rebuilt	1911-12, 1916, 1997-2000
Original company	Wilmington and Weldon Railroad
Traffic
Passengers (FY2018)	51,365  1.9%
Services
Preceding station Amtrak Following station Wilson toward Charlotte Carolinian Petersburg toward New York Wilson toward Savannah Palmetto Fayetteville toward Miami Silver Meteor Raleigh toward Miami Silver Star
Former services Preceding station Atlantic Coast Line Railroad Following station South Rocky Mount toward Tampa Main Line Battleboro toward Richmond Nashville toward Lassiter Lassiter Branch Terminus Terminus Rocky Mount – Kinston Tarboro toward Kinston Norfolk Branch Tarboro toward Norfolk
U.S. Historic district Contributing property
Official name: Atlantic Coastline Railroad Station
Designated:	June 19, 1980
Part of:	Rocky Mount Central City H.D.
Reference #:	80002826, 09000659
Architectural style:	None Specified

The Rocky Mount station, officially called the Helen P. Gay Rocky Mount Historic Train Station, is a special kind of transportation hub in Rocky Mount, North Carolina. It's an "intermodal" station, which means you can switch between different types of transportation here.

The main building is an Amtrak train station, where people catch trains for long trips. Right next door, there's another building that works as a bus terminus for Tar River Transit and a stop for Greyhound Lines buses. This station is just south of downtown Rocky Mount. It is also part of the Rocky Mount Central City Historic District, which is an important historical area.

History of the Rocky Mount Station

When Was the Station Built?

The Rocky Mount station was first built in 1893. It was constructed by the Wilmington and Weldon Railroad. The building had a unique look, made from dark red bricks in a style called Romanesque Revival architecture.

Changes Over the Years

Later, the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad bought the Wilmington and Weldon Railroad. They decided to rebuild the station two times, first between 1911 and 1912, and then again in 1916. In the 1960s, the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad added a modern section inside the station. This part was used to store important equipment for train switches and signals.

Becoming a City Property

In 1995, the City of Rocky Mount bought the station and the land around it. This included an old building that used to be a freight house for a company called REA Express.

Restoration and New Uses

From 1997 to 2000, the station was carefully restored. Workers brought back its early 20th-century design. They also added new features to make it easier for people with disabilities to use, following the ADA rules. The old freight house was turned into a bus terminal. This new terminal became a stop for both Tar River Transit and Greyhound Lines buses.

Naming the Station

In 2010, the station was given a special name: the Helen P. Gay Rocky Mount Historic Train Station. It was named after Helen P. Gay, who used to be on the Rocky Mount City Council. She played a big part in getting the station restored and looking great again.

Old Train Cars on Display

Next to the station, you can see an old train car called ACL office car #303. It used to be a private car for railroad officials. Another old train car, called "Whopper Hopper" 500000, was once on display here too. In 2018, it was moved to the North Carolina Transportation Museum.

What Services Does the Station Offer?

Train Services by Amtrak

The train part of the station is run by Amtrak. It offers train rides to different cities on four main routes:

• The Carolinian
• The Palmetto
• The Silver Meteor
• The Silver Star

The train station is open 24 hours a day. You can buy tickets, get help with your bags, and wait for your train in the waiting area at any time.

Bus Services at the Terminal

The bus terminal is operated by Tar River Transit. They have eight different bus routes. These buses run Monday through Friday from 6:45 AM to 6:45 PM. On Saturdays, they run from 9:15 AM to 5:45 PM. The bus terminal is closed on Sundays.

Greyhound also operates from this terminal. They offer bus tickets and package shipping services. Greyhound's hours are Monday through Friday from 7:30 AM to 1:30 PM, and again from 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM. On Saturdays, they are open from 7:30 AM to 12:00 PM.

• Amtrak – Stations – Rocky Mount, NC