Memphis Central Station

Served by Illinois Central, Rock Island, and Frisco
as well as Amtrak

L&N Files, Collection of Lyle Key
Central Station at the corner of South Main and Calhoun, April 1964. RI trin 22-21 sits on Track 1.

Contributed by Bill Pollard
This view shows the stub end tracks and some of the operations of Central Station in the 1950 era. See what you can find in a larger view. Can you find the NC&StL F-units in their engine terminal in the upper left corner of this photo?

Contributed Bill Strong
Aerial view of Central Station in 1964. Tracks of Union Station show in the upper right corner.

Contributed by Bill Pollard
 

 
Both photos Bill Strong
In these 1972 photos, note that the umbrella sheds are still in place. Also note the REA terminal and truck.

Bill Pollard Photo
Frisco train #105 is seen backing into Track 6 in the top view with a business car on the end. The business car is then seen being set off, April 1965.

Bill Pollard Collection
IC biz car #9, Memphis, 4-28-69.

Bill Pollard Collection
IC station switcher at Memphis Central Station, 10/70.

Bill Pollard Photo
Seen here is ICG Bicentenial decorated 1776-2 in Central Station in Sept. 1975. This is the second unit in this scheme, the first was destroyed in a collision. Worthy of note is the fresh dirt where the stub tracks once were location. Also note the cut of posts for the umbrella sheds. Also note that the stairs have been closed by placing a couple of planks across the opening.

Mike Condren Photo
Main Street side of Central Station, note, in concrete, at the third floor level "Central Station"
(not "Grand Central Station" as it was commonly called) .

The current Central Station appears to be the third station located at this site. Its immediate predecessor was known at one time as Calhoun Street station. That station may also have been known as "Union Station" as most Memphis railroads used it before Union Station was built. Bill Pollard has compiled an evolution of Memphis passenger stations. Click here for a listing of passenger train operations in Memphis from 1952-2004 compiled by Phil Gosney.

Photo by Terry Foshee
One of the Departure Board at Central Station

For information about the Memphis Union Station.

For information about the Other Passenger Stations of Memphis.

For information about the The evolution of Memphis passenger stations.

This site is maintained by the Arkansas Boston Mountains Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society located in Springdale, Arkansas
 
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