Everett Street Depot (Milwaukee): 1886-1966
Last revised: September 6, 2024
By: Adam Burns
The Everett Street Depot, an architectural jewel and pivotal railway hub, has an undeniable place in Milwaukee’s history. It's a testament to the city's rich railroad culture, offering reflection of a past era.
The station was the creative work of renowned architect Edward Townsend Mix. Known for many famed constructs, Mix's folly into the realm of railway station design resulted in this mesmerizing structure, one highly spoken of by architectural historians and rail enthusiasts alike.
Everett Street officially opened its doors to the public on August 18, 1886, symbolizing another step forward in Milwaukee's progression.
Photos
A busy scene at Milwaukee Road's Everett Street Station in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, circa 1950. The building's signature clock tower is clearly visible in the background. In the foreground is 4-6-2 #151, shrouded in 1941 by the Milwaukee Shops for the "Chippewa." Officially retired on June 4, 1954.Construction
Constructed with a staggering cost of $200,000, according to 19th-century estimates, the station was a significant investment, reflecting the commitment and faith Milwaukee displayed in advancing its railway infrastructure.
Architecture
The station was intricately designed in the lively Richardsonian Romanesque style of architecture. Emphasizing heavy stonework, it exuded durability and grandeur, synonymous with the ambitious rail transport spirit of the time.
The sheer majesty of this robust structure was crafted from Lake Superior Sandstone, specifically quarried for the station's construction. The sandy, light-colored stone bestowed an exclusive character to this beloved edifice.
Situated in downtown Milwaukee, just across the Menomonee River, the station straddled the intersection of Everett and Clybourn Streets; this central location made it a bustling hub nestled in the city's thriving heart.
The Everett Street Depot was equipped with an impressive four tracks beneath a long train shed as well as with additional staging tracks to each side of the structure.
At its height, the station served a breathtaking number of approximately 2,500 passengers daily, maneuvering around 50 trains. Such numbers showcased the sheer scale of operations and the importance of station within the city's rail framework.
Milwaukee Road
Among the myriad of trains it served, the station was especially famous for hosting Milwaukee Road's noted Hiawatha passenger trains. These distinguished trains were famous for their rapid service, a tangible manifestation of Milwaukee's dynamic spirit.
All of the railroad's long distance Hiawathas served the facility, except for the Midwest Hiawatha which served the Iowa Division (Chicago - Omaha/Council Bluffs). During the great age of streamliners during the late 1930s through the early World War II era one could commonly witness the Milwaukee's legendary 4-4-2s Class As and 4-6-4 Class F-7s arriving and departing from the facility.
The Milwaukee Road was synonymous with the Hiawatha service, and with Everett Street serving many of these swift passenger trains, the station's significance scaled even higher.
Interestingly, the moniker 'Hiawatha' was derived from an epic poem by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. The Milwaukee Road adopted this name, aiming to symbolize the comfort, speed, and efficiency of their service, aspects fittingly aligned with the station's values.
Another classic scene at the Everett Street Depot. Closest to the photographer is streamlined 4-6-2 #151, lead power for the "Chippewa," while a brand new "Erie-Built" is one display at right in the fall of 1947. A.C. Kalmbach photo, Rick Burn collection.Closure
The first changes to the station occurred during the 1950s when its majestic, 140-foot tall clock tower was lowered with the actual clock placed just above the roofline.
The structure officially ended service to the public on August 1, 1965, marking the end of an era in which the Everett Street Depot stood as a beacon for Milwaukee's industrial vigor and ambition.
Following the end of service to the facility the Milwaukee Road moved operations over to its new Milwaukee Union Station, which opened on August 3, 1965. The following year, the Chicago & North Western closed its beautiful Lake Front Depot and also moved its trains to the facility.
Unfortunately, the new Union Station carried none of its predecessor's charm or beautiful architecture. In 2007 it was renamed as the Milwaukee Intermodal Station and remains in use today.
Marty Bernard caught this interesting scene near West Clybourn Street in Milwaukee on January 3, 1963. In the foreground is the tracks of the Chicago, North Shore & Milwaukee which will soon shutdown while what is likely the Milwaukee Road's Afternoon Hiawatha at the Everett Street Depot.Demolition
Unfortunately, the physical existence of Everett Street was marked by demolition on June 15, 1966, a little under a year after its closure. This poignant end, however, did not erase the station's historical relevance and contribution.
Despite its eventual demolition, the depot left a lasting monumental legacy. Its contribution during its 79-year tenure to Milwaukee's growth and the people it served remains unmistakable.
Several reasons led to the closure of this pivotal station. This was the result of a series of changes in the socio-economic and transportation landscape of Milwaukee. Passenger numbers dwindled as a direct result of the increase in highway construction and a surging preference for air travel.
Moreover, the cost to manage and maintain such a grand structure that was slowly losing its patronage also contributed to its closure. As business viability eroded, the decision to close Everett Street was accepted as an inevitable consequence of broader industry transformation.
It's worth noting that despite the station's closure and eventual demolition, the site was eventually repurposed and given a new lease on life. Although, that lease required many years; the site remained vacant until 1986 when Wisconsin Electric Power (today known as We Energies) built an office annex on the site.
In addition, Interstate 794 now occupies the location where the train shed and tracks once stood; a somewhat fitting statement in America's abandonment of trains for highways.
A few reminders of the facility remain today, however. One of the station's clock faces has been preserved and is currently owned by the Betty Brinn Children's Museum building, located at 929 East Wisconsin Avenue in Milwaukee. In addition, Zeidler Union Square is still maintained, a handsome small park that was essentially the station's front yard.
Milwaukee Road H12-44 #733 (ex-2303) switches Hiawatha equipment at the Everett Street Depot in Milwaukee; September, 1960. Rick Burn photo.Legacy
In conclusion, Everett Street Depot, whether hosting the swift Hiawatha service or standing as a testament to the grandeur of the Milwaukee Road's contributions, was never just a station. It was a beacon symbolizing Milwaukee’s spirit.
Recalling the grandeur of station, its sandstone halls bustling with passengers, the last minute rush to board the Hiawatha, is to remember a time when Milwaukee Road was more than a railway corporation. It was a socio-economic vehicle that transported Milwaukee onto the broader stage of industry and progress.
The reality of the city’s transformation may have pushed structures like the Everett Street out of the physical landscape. Yet, their mere existence is a testament to a past vibrantly alive in the city's memories and its history.
Recent Articles
-
Draft EA Reviews Norfolk Southern Track in London, Ohio
Nov 07, 26 11:35 AM
The Surface Transportation Board environmental office issued a draft assessment on November 6, 2026, for about 0.96 miles of Norfolk Southern track in London, Ohio. Comments are due November 20. -
Metrolink Lines Will Not Run on Three Routes November 7
Nov 07, 26 10:53 AM
Metrolink will not run the Ventura County, Orange County, or Inland Empire-Orange County lines on November 7 and 8, 2026. The advisory says no substitute transportation will be provided. -
Hartford Line Adds a Weekday Round Trip on November 16
Nov 07, 26 10:48 AM
Connecticut said the Hartford Line adds a weekday New Haven-Hartford round trip on November 16, starts a morning train in Springfield, and extends weekend stops to Windsor and Windsor Locks. -
Board Issues a Policy Statement on Rail Preemption
Nov 07, 26 10:44 AM
The Surface Transportation Board placed a policy statement on public inspection for the November 9 Federal Register. It reviews existing preemption precedent and says it makes no binding determination… -
NJ Transit Restores Lines After the Newark Drawbridge Stop
Nov 07, 26 10:37 AM
NJ Transit said Morris and Essex service between Hackettstown and Dover, and Montclair-Boonton service between Hackettstown and Montclair State University, resumed after the Newark Drawbridge stop. -
EMD "SD35" Locomotives: Data Sheet, Specs, Roster
Nov 06, 26 10:35 PM
EMD SD35, 2,500 horsepower, 16-cylinder 567D3A, built June 1964 through January 1966. 360 locomotives. Specifications and the production roster by owner, serial, and order. -
EMD "SDP35" Locomotives: Data Sheet, Specs, Roster
Nov 06, 26 10:32 PM
EMD SDP35, the steam-generator SD35. 35 locomotives, July 1964 through September 1965. Seaboard Air Line 1100-1119, Atlantic Coast Line 550, Louisville and Nashville 1700-1703, Union Pacific 1400-1409… -
RJ Corman Will Be Replaced on Part of the Luzerne Lines
Nov 06, 26 01:34 PM
A November 6, 2026 notice says Wilkes-Barre Terminal Railway would acquire about 59.65 miles in Luzerne County and replace R.J. Corman as operator on part of the line. The earliest date is November 22… -
NS Names a Student Hub at the University of Georgia
Nov 06, 26 12:03 PM
Norfolk Southern said a 100,000 dollar gift named a student-organization hub in Driftmier Engineering Center. The University of Georgia marked the naming on October 26. The space is for 23 clubs. -
Union Pacific Filed Its Vena Recording Certification
Nov 06, 26 11:56 AM
Union Pacific filed a November 5, 2026 verified statement that the confidential label is off the March 17 Vena recording and that parties of record received a copy at 3:30 p.m. Eastern. -
OmniTRAX Adds Tenants at Its Blue Island Hub
Nov 06, 26 10:26 AM
OmniTRAX has signed new construction-company leases at its 90-acre Blue Island, Illinois, hub and is planning a second phase. -
Veterans and Active-Duty Members Exceed 16 Percent of Norfolk Southern
Nov 06, 26 10:14 AM
Norfolk Southern said on November 5, 2026, that more than 3,000 veterans and active-duty service members are more than 16 percent of its workforce. This year grants are $100,000 and $50,000. -
BNSF: Merger Would Put Half of U.S. Rail Shipments Under One Railroad
Nov 06, 26 10:00 AM
BNSF chief marketing officer Tom G. Williams told customers on November 3, 2026, that a Union Pacific-Norfolk Southern merger would put about half of U.S. rail shipments under one railroad. Nothing is… -
Amtrak Opens a Winter Fare Sale
Nov 06, 26 09:28 AM
Amtrak opened a Winter Wanderlust sale on November 5, 2026. Book by November 12 for travel from December 1, 2026, through March 14, 2027. Blackout dates apply. Coach and Acela Business only. -
CN and CPKC Report October Grain Records
Nov 06, 26 08:50 AM
CPKC reported October 2026 grain records in Canada and the United States. CN reported 3.54 million metric tonnes across Canada. The releases do not print a combined total. -
New Brunswick Transload Gets CN Rail Service
Nov 06, 26 08:49 AM
CN said on November 4, 2026, that it has started serving AD Gagnon Transload Services near Grand Falls, New Brunswick. The site is three kilometres from the Trans-Canada Highway and lists room for 106… -
Together, Freight and Passenger Rail Can Grow, Union Pacific Says
Nov 06, 26 08:47 AM
Union Pacific said on November 5, 2026, that passenger obligations would remain if it combines with Norfolk Southern. The capacity claim is a Union Pacific analysis, not a Surface Transportation Board… -
FM "C-Liner" Locomotives: Specs, Roster, Photos
Nov 05, 26 11:19 PM
Fairbanks-Morse Consolidation Line cab units, the C-Liners. 165 locomotives, Beloit and Kingston, March 1950 through February 1955. Models, specs, and production rosters. -
Atlanta, Birmingham & Coast Railroad: Map, History, Roster
Nov 05, 26 12:03 PM
Atlanta, Birmingham & Coast, from Brunswick and Waycross to Atlanta and Birmingham. Atlantic Coast Line control at the close of 1926. Merged in January 1946 as the Western Division. Steam roster of th… -
El Paso & Southwestern Railroad: Map, History, Logo
Nov 05, 26 12:00 PM
The El Paso & Southwestern, the Phelps Dodge copper railroad from Tucson to the Rock Island at Tucumcari. Southern Pacific control on October 31, 1924. -
Brightline Says Orlando Service Has Resumed
Nov 05, 26 11:55 AM
Brightline said on November 5, 2026, that trains to and from Orlando have resumed after weather suspensions in Brevard County. Later that morning the departures page still showed the Orlando segment s… -
Metra Customers Must Sign Up Again
Nov 05, 26 11:43 AM
Metra says customers who want service alerts must sign up again at metratracker.com. The November 2 story says the new system has launched and the old email list is shut down. A notice on the same pag… -
Norfolk Southern Packs Six Projects Into One Window
Nov 05, 26 11:38 AM
Norfolk Southern used one 26-hour window on the W Line for six projects in Indiana and Kentucky, including three bridge replacements. The October 27 account does not give the calendar day of the work. -
CSX: More Time to Comment on an Inspection Waiver
Nov 05, 26 11:29 AM
The Federal Railroad Administration extended comments on a CSX petition for relief from some qualified mechanical inspector rules until December 2, 2026. The November 2 notice does not grant the waive… -
Brightline Expects Orlando Service on Thursday
Nov 05, 26 09:21 AM
Brightline said on November 4, 2026, that it expects trains to and from Orlando to resume on Thursday, November 5. South Florida stations kept running. The departures page still showed the Orlando seg… -
Union Pacific: More Time to Comment on an Inspection Waiver
Nov 05, 26 09:15 AM
The Federal Railroad Administration extended comments on a Union Pacific petition for relief from some qualified mechanical inspector rules until December 2, 2026. The November 2 notice does not grant… -
Wisconsin Opens Comments on the 2027 Freight Plan
Nov 05, 26 09:03 AM
WisDOT opened the draft 2027 State Freight Plan for comment through December 1, 2026. The plan covers freight rail with highways, harbors, aviation, and intermodal links. Completion is expected in sum… -
U.S. Rail Traffic Rose 3.5 Percent in the Week Ending October 31
Nov 05, 26 08:52 AM
U.S. railroads moved 514,080 carloads and intermodal units in the week ending October 31, 2026, up 3.5 percent from a year earlier, the Association of American Railroads said on November 4. -
Muni and Bay Area Transit Measures Pass
Nov 05, 26 08:49 AM
San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency said on November 4, 2026 that Proposition H and a regional transit measure passed. Proposition H is about 160 million dollars a year for Muni. The regiona… -
Ground Rules Set for Responsive Applications
Nov 05, 26 08:47 AM
Decision No. 46, served November 4, 2026, denies a request to add Walsenburg to the Union Pacific interchange list and sets what CPKC and CN must include in responsive applications. Four CPKC proposal… -
Video of the Vena Address Must Be Released
Nov 05, 26 08:42 AM
The Surface Transportation Board on November 4, 2026 denied the Union Pacific appeal and ordered the March 17 shipper-conference recording released to the parties by 5:00 p.m. Eastern on November 5. C… -
Chicago & North Western Iron Ore C628s
Nov 04, 26 11:47 PM
Chicago and North Western C628s 6701-6730, the ex-Norfolk and Western high-hoods, in Upper Peninsula iron-ore service from the mid-1970s until December 21, 1986, and what happened to each unit. -
Warrenton Railroad: Serving Warrenton, NC (1884-1985)
Nov 04, 26 10:33 PM
The three-mile Warrenton Railroad, from Warren Plains to the North Carolina county seat. Chartered January 28, 1871. First train November 8, 1884. Closed in 1985. -
Rio Grande Steam Locomotives (Since 1900)
Nov 04, 26 11:40 AM
Denver & Rio Grande Western steam locomotives built since 1900. Standard gauge quantity 435 and narrow gauge 48. Challengers, 2-8-8-2s, Mountains, Northerns, and the K-27, K-28, K-36, and K-37. -
Rio Grande Diesel Locomotives (All-Time)
Nov 04, 26 11:39 AM
Denver & Rio Grande Western diesel locomotives, each frame once. 554 units, from the 1941 NW2 through the 1990 GP60s. FT, F3, F7, and F9 sets are not counted again under their 1950 numbers. -
Rio Grande Railroad: Map, Logo, History, Rosters
Nov 04, 26 11:34 AM
Denver & Rio Grande Western history, from William Jackson Palmer and the October 27, 1870 charter through the Royal Gorge, the Moffat route, the California Zephyr, and Union Pacific common control… -
Lindblom Gift Expands the Fort Wayne Restoration Shop
Nov 04, 26 11:14 AM
Art Lindblom gave the Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society more than $1.4 million, its largest single gift, to expand the New Haven shop. The addition is planned for late 2026 and early 2027. A sepa… -
Design Contract Awarded for the Forest Park Branch
Nov 04, 26 11:09 AM
The Chicago Transit Board approved a design contract for about 13 miles of Blue Line track from the Illinois Medical District to the I-290 Bridge. The release summary calls it a $17 million contract… -
Kanawha River Railroad: The Norfolk Southern Lease Is Renewed
Nov 04, 26 10:51 AM
Kanawha River Railroad filed to keep leasing 309.45 miles from Norfolk Southern in West Virginia and Ohio. The second amendment is dated August 17, 2026. The Board has not set the date the exemption t… -
Short Line Center Awarded a $5.625 Million Grant
Nov 04, 26 10:35 AM
The American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association received a $5.625 million CRISI grant on October 20, 2026, for the Short Line Training Center. A 25 percent match brings the project to $7.5 m… -
Palestine and Rusk Track Rebuild Finishes Its First Phase
Nov 04, 26 09:13 AM
The Texas & Eastern Railroad has finished the first phase of a roughly $30 million track project between Palestine and Rusk. Phase I used a $13.4 million CRISI grant. Phase II, at $8.54 million, adds… -
Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx Get Subway Power Design
Nov 04, 26 09:12 AM
STV said on November 2, 2026, that MTA Construction and Development selected the firm to manage design of 10 subway substations and 12 circuit breaker houses in four New York boroughs. No contract pri… -
Chicago's Regional Transit Budget Goes Out for Comment
Nov 04, 26 09:07 AM
The Northern Illinois Transit Authority opened its first regional budget for comment through December 4, 2026. The proposal is $5.04 billion for 2027 operations and $9.73 billion in capital work throu… -
VIA Rail Finishes the Toronto Maintenance Centre
Nov 04, 26 09:05 AM
VIA Rail completed a four-year modernization of its Toronto Maintenance Centre on November 2, 2026. The Government of Canada invested $310 million. The shop supports 32 Corridor trainsets and will sus… -
Brightline Suspends Orlando Service for High Water
Nov 04, 26 09:02 AM
Brightline suspended trains between Orlando and West Palm Beach on November 2, 2026, because of high water in Brevard County. A later post the same day kept the suspension until 2:00 p.m. on November… -
Hiawatha West Draws Federal Funding Toward Madison
Nov 04, 26 08:58 AM
Amtrak welcomed a CRISI selection for Hiawatha West, extending Chicago-Milwaukee service toward Madison, Watertown, and Pewaukee. Wisconsin said on October 16 that the award is over $218 million. -
Seattle's Train Maintenance Facility Opens for Airo Trains
Nov 04, 26 08:56 AM
Amtrak cut the ribbon October 23, 2026, on a $250 million Seattle shop for Airo trains on the Cascades route. The building came in on time and $50 million under budget and opens in phases through the… -
Aberdeen Carolina and Western Wins a $19.9 Million Grant
Nov 04, 26 08:46 AM
The Aberdeen Carolina and Western Railway won a $19.9 million CRISI grant for about 30 miles of welded rail in Montgomery and Stanly counties. The railroad and NCDOT are putting up a 52 percent match… -
Alco "C628" Locomotives: Roster, Data Sheet, Specs
Nov 03, 26 07:57 PM
Alco Century C628: 2,750 hp C-C road switcher, 186 built from December 1963 to December 1968. Production roster, specs, and where the high-hood Norfolk and Western units went. -
Santa Fe Railroad (AT&SF): Diesel Roster (All-Time)
Nov 03, 26 12:54 PM
Santa Fe diesel locomotives, each new frame once, with construction numbers and order numbers. The counted total is 3,964, from the 1935 boxcabs through the SD75Ms.
