Ohio has been in the news lately for train issues, but this time, the news is for something a bit more pleasant. Today, the U.S. Postal Service is celebrating the national unveiling of the new ‘Historic Railroad Stations of the United States’ stamps with an event held at Union Terminal in Cincinnati.
The new set of Forever stamps commemorates the history and romance of train travel. The set includes five “architectural gems” that continue to play an important role in their communities: Tamaqua Station in Pennsylvania; Point of Rocks Station in Maryland; Main Street Station in Richmond, VA; Santa Fe Station in San Bernardino, CA; and Union Terminal in Cincinnati.
Union Terminal opened on March 19, 1933, serving as the intercity train station for Cincinnati. Although train service stopped there in 1972, Amtrak resumed service at the station in 1991. The building received a $228 million renovation that was completed in 2018 and it also enjoys several landmark designations, including being a National Historic Landmark.
The new set of stamps can be purchased as a sheet of 20 for $$12.60. The cost of a Forever stamp is currently 63 cents. For collectors, the sheet is designed to represent a page in an old-fashioned photo album.
Derry Noyes served as art director for the project. Down the Street Designs designed and created the digital illustrations and typography.
The history notes that railroad stations began appearing by the 1870s across the country, and unfortunately, many have been demolished. One of those that saw the wrecking ball was Columbus’ Union Station, in service from 1851 until April 28, 1977. The station was demolished and the surviving arch, Union Station Arch, serves as a point of interest in McFerson Commons park in the Arena District.
Discussions are happening to possibly bring Amtrak service back to the capital city, but until then, enjoy sending mail with Cincinnati’s Union Station as your postage.
Visit your local US Postal Service location to purchase the Railroad Stations stamps, or buy them online at store.usps.com.