A U.S. National Historic Landmark, the St. Louis Union Station Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton, has a deeply fascinating heritage. Its origins date back to the height of the Gilded Age, when it was developed to operate as a major train depot. On September 1, 1894, the iconic Union Station opened its doors for the first time after months of arduous construction. Local architect Theodore Link had created its design amid a contest held at the behest of the Terminal Railroad Association of St. Louis. Given control over the entire project, Link subsequently created a magnificent, sprawling complex that stood as a masterpiece of American architecture. The focal point of his design were its civilian facilities, like the gorgeous Grand Hall and a stunning boutique hostelry known as the “Terminal Hotel.” The Grand Hall itself was specifically constructed to inspire the countless guests that were expected to arrive daily. He had mainly modeled the space to resemble a passageway inside a medieval castle, with the walled French city of Carcassonne as his source of inspiration. Ornate details proliferated throughout the space, too, such as spectacular gold leafing, wide stained-glass windows, and wall carvings made from Indiana limestone. A stunning, 65-foot barrel-vaulted ceiling crested the Grand Hall, anchored by a beautiful, wrought-iron chandelier. (Weighing an impressive two tons, the fixture required some 350 light bulbs to function properly!) Meanwhile, Link had worked closely with engineer George H. Pegram to create what became the world’s largest train shed ever constructed during the 19th century. Located next to the station’s extravagant headhouse, it hosted 32 different tracks under an expansive, steel roof!

In the years that followed, the new St. Louis Union Station quickly became one of the busiest train depots in America. Thousands of people subsequently passed through its Grand Hall, driving demand for its services to new heights. In fact, nearly two million travelers were arriving each day in the middle of World War II. Some of the country’s most influential figures were eventually seen inside the complex as well, like Joan Crawford, Kirk Douglas, and Joe DiMaggio. President Harry S. Truman was also famously photographed at St. Louis Union Station right after he historically beat New York Governor Thomas A. Dewey in the 1948 presidential election. The popularity with the station’s services even prompted the Terminal Railroad Association of St. Louis to expand the building constantly throughout the early 1900s. Nevertheless, St. Louis Union Station’s popularity was not destined to last forever, especially once automobiles emerged as the primary mode of travel for most Americans. Use of the depot’s services declined throughout the 1960s, with the facility becoming virtually obsolete by 1978. Salvation fortunately arrived in 1985, after global design firm HOK invested $150 million into renovating the site. The work was incredibly comprehensive, transforming the former train station into a lavish hotel that boasted 539 guestrooms rooms, a shopping center, and numerous dining outlets. Now known as the “St. Louis Union Station Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton,” the hotel continues to serve the countless travelers who come to St. Louis every year. Indeed, the spirit of the original Union Station is still very much alive and well.

This highly attractive hotel was once one of the busiest passenger rail terminals in the world. One woman who died in her sleep on the train can still be seen sleeping on the train, roaming Union Station, and even falling asleep in restaurants.