South Station, Railway terminal in Downtown Boston, United States.
South Station is a major railroad terminal in downtown Boston with a granite and brick exterior accented by Ionic columns. The building houses 13 railway tracks and functions as a central hub for commuter and intercity rail services across the region.
The station was built in 1899 by five railroad companies that formed the Boston Terminal Company to construct this facility with modern standards for the time. Its opening established the location as a major regional transportation hub for the northeast.
The station's clock was designed after London's Big Ben and remains a striking focal point for travelers arriving in the building. People stop to admire the ornate clock face and can observe the mechanical system that requires regular hand winding to keep it running.
The station connects multiple forms of transportation including commuter rail, intercity trains, and rapid transit lines, making it easy to transfer between services. Plan extra time to navigate the building since it spans multiple levels and can be confusing on a first visit.
In 1913 this station became the busiest railroad station in the United States, handling more passengers than even Grand Central Terminal in New York at that time. This remarkable achievement in transportation history is often forgotten by visitors today, despite showing how vital Boston was as a travel hub in that era.
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