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Huntsville Depot Museum: A Journey Through Time

Step back in time at Alabama's oldest surviving railroad depot, exploring Huntsville's rich history from the Civil War to the Space Age.

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Explore Alabama's oldest surviving railroad depot, dating back to 1860, in the heart of downtown Huntsville. The museum showcases the city's railway history, its role in the Civil War, and its transformation into a hub for aerospace innovation.

A brief summary to Huntsville Depot Museum

Local tips

  • Check the EarlyWorks Museum website for current operating hours and admission fees before visiting.
  • Look for the poignant graffiti etched into the depot walls by Confederate soldiers during the Civil War.
  • Explore the museum grounds to see the collection of historic locomotives and railway cars.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the heart of downtown Huntsville, such as the Madison County Courthouse, the Huntsville Depot Museum is a short walk northwest. Head west on Washington Street NW, then turn left onto Church Street NW. The museum will be on your left. The walk is approximately 5-10 minutes.

  • Public Transport

    Huntsville's public transit system, Orbit, has several routes that serve the downtown area. Check the Huntsville Transit website or app for the most up-to-date routes and schedules. From the Huntsville Transit Center on Pratt Avenue, the museum is about a 15-minute walk. A single ride fare is $1.25.

  • Driving

    From I-565, take the Church Street exit and head north. The Huntsville Depot Museum will be on your left. Metered parking is available on the street for $0.50 per hour, enforced Monday through Friday from 8 am to 5 pm. Parking garages are also available downtown, with hourly rates around $0.50 and daily maximums around $4. The Passport Parking app can be used to pay for parking at meters and in some garages.

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Discover more about Huntsville Depot Museum

The Huntsville Depot Museum, nestled in downtown Huntsville, stands as Alabama's oldest surviving railroad depot and one of the oldest in the United States. Completed in 1860, it served as the Eastern Division headquarters for the Memphis & Charleston Railroad. During the Civil War, the depot was captured by Union forces in 1862 and used as a temporary prison for Confederate soldiers. Visitors can still see poignant graffiti etched into the walls by these captured soldiers, offering a tangible connection to a tumultuous period in American history. Following the Civil War, the depot continued to operate as a passenger station. In 1950, the arrival of Wernher von Braun and his team of rocket scientists further cemented the depot's place in Huntsville's history, marking the beginning of the city's transformation into a hub for aerospace innovation. Passenger service continued until 1968. Today, the museum displays historic locomotives, railway cars, and antique vehicles. The grounds also feature a children's playroom with costumes, train puzzles and games.

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