World War II - End of Passenger Rail Service
Oklahoma City’s Union Station debuted its passenger train in July 1931 – two years after the passage of a citywide bond election that would authorize and pay for its construction. The Frisco and Rock Island railroads relocated their rail lines and terminals to the grand new limestone and marble masterpiece, making this station a crown jewel among the nation’s train stations during this golden era of transportation.
Due to Oklahoma City’s central location, it wasn’t uncommon to temporarily host trains headed toward destinations throughout the country. As a result, more than a few traveling dignitaries, movie stars, personalities and politicians passed through its hallways, including presidents Franklin Roosevelt and Harry Truman. Union Station was a stop for many state and national politicians’ “whistle stop campaigns”.
Servicing up to 50 trains per day during World War II, Union Station was where thousands of soldiers headed off to war started their journey. One of those soldiers - Oklahoma City’s Thurman Magbee – would later become an owner of the station.
During the 1950s, passenger service began a downward spiral as more travelers were opting for airline travel. By 1967, passenger rail service came to an end for Union Station as the Rock Island line ended service with its last passenger run from Memphis to Tucumcari, NM. Occupied intermittently for a few years by several rail-related entities, the facility was vacated for good in 1973.