Broad Street Station
Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania
Marker Inscription
Opened here, 1881, by the Pennsylvania Railroad; enlarged 1893. This was once the world's largest railroad passenger terminal. Its great arched train shed burned, 1923. The station and its long elevated stone track bed (the "Chinese Wall") remained until 1952-53.
Erected by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission
The Story
When the Pennsylvania Railroad opened Broad Street Station in 1881 and enlarged it in 1893, it became for a time the world's largest railroad passenger terminal, its great arched train shed a marvel of the age. The long elevated stone viaduct feeding it—nicknamed the "Chinese Wall"—cut across the city until the station and its tracks were finally demolished in 1952–53.
Why it matters
Broad Street Station symbolized the Gilded Age dominance of the railroad in American life, when great terminals were civic monuments and the Pennsylvania Railroad shaped the growth of Philadelphia.
Plan your visit
NearbyMake a day of it — museums, food, and places to stay near this marker.
Museums & culture
- African American Museum in Philadelphia0.7 mi away · 701 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Bridgette Mayer0.7 mi away · 709 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Independence Visitor Center0.8 mi away · 599 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Congress Hall0.8 mi away · Philadelphia, PA
- Liberty Bell Center0.8 mi away · 526 Market Street, Philadelphia
- National Constitution Center0.9 mi away · 525 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
Attractions
- One Liberty Observation Deck0.2 mi away
- The Universal Sphere0.3 mi away
- Reading Terminal0.3 mi away
- Chinatown Friendship Gate0.5 mi away · 10th and Arch Street
- President's House0.8 mi away
- Liberty Bell0.8 mi away · 526 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
Food & drink
- Burger King0.6 mi away
- Philly Pretzel Factory0.7 mi away
- Munchie’s Cafe0.7 mi away · 728 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- El Azteca0.7 mi away
- Park’s Salad Bar0.7 mi away
- Lamberti Pizza & Market0.7 mi away · 707 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
Places to stay
- Residence Inn Philadelphia Center City0.2 mi away · 1 East Penn Square, Philadelphia, PA
- The Notary Hotel0.2 mi away · 21 North Juniper Street, Philadelphia
- Philadelphia Marriott Downtown0.2 mi away · 1201 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Loews Philadelphia Hotel0.3 mi away · 1200 Market Street, Philadelphia
- Holiday Inn Express0.3 mi away · 1305-11 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Home2 Suites by Hilton Philadelphia - Convention Center, PA0.3 mi away · 1200 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
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Themes & tags
Nearby & related markers
Reading Terminal & Market
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