The Only Historic Victorian Queen Anne Train Station In North Carolina Is Magnificent

North Carolina has a rich history in the railroad industry. The very first railroad was chartered in 1834 and ran from Wilmington to Raleigh. Soon, others were chartered and built as well, each with the potential for many stations along the route. One such station, built in 1900, is the only historic train station built in Victorian Queen Anne style remaining in all of North Carolina – and you’ll love it.

It's located in the beautiful historic district of the Piedmont town of Hamlet, population 7,000.

It's quite common in the U.S. to encounter Victorian Queen Anne style homes, and while those are also treasured gems from the past, this remarkable train depot is rare — and you can visit and admire it up close.

Equally astounding, is the fact that from 2001 to 2004 this building was literally picked up and moved across the tracks to the other side for safety reasons — and then it underwent a complete restoration!

Out in front of the depot, two major railroad lines still cross, with daily trains passing through.

You can hop Amtrak's Silver Star from one end of the building, and on the other, you can visit the wonderful exhibits and displays for free six days week (days and hours are listed below).

Walk through a fully-resorted depot waiting room and get a sense of the scores of people who've passed through this depot in the more than 100 years since it opened.

Take a peek at two model train displays, including a representation of what the town of Hamlet looked like in the early 20th century.

It's hard to miss the static engine and caboose located on display outside the terminal. When the depot opened in 1900, it was called the Seaboard Air Line Passenger Depot. The engine car out front is from the Seaboard Air Line Railroad.

As the only remaining historic Victorian Queen Anne style depot in North Carolina, this beautiful building is a treasure just waiting to be explored.

Planning a day trip to check it out? Combine a visit to the depot with a meal at Seaboard Station Restaurant, located in a Victorian-style house more than 115 years old.

The popular restaurant has a buffet with famously delicious fried chicken you won't be able to resist. It's located at 12 Charlotte Street, and only a few short blocks from Hamlet Depot.

Ready to check out this fascinating piece of North Carolina railroad history?

Hamlet Depot and Museums is located at 2 Main St., Hamlet, NC 28345. Admission is free and the museum is open six days a week. The hours are Tuesday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Learn more on the official website.

As a mere point of reference, Hamlet is located 80 miles southwest of Charlotte, 125 miles northwest of Wilmington, and 60 miles southeast of Fayetteville.

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There's Only One Remaining Train Station Like This In All Of North Carolina And It's Magnificent

Robin Jarvis

Author

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