Hoboken Terminal, DL&W's Spectacular Watefront Station
Last revised: September 10, 2024
By: Adam Burns
The majestic Hoboken Terminal is the last survivor of the great Hudson River (New Jersey) waterfront stations still serving in its original function.
The facility was funded and operated by the Delaware, Lackawanna & Western (DL&W), designed by Kenneth M. Murchison in the Beaux-Arts style. Today, the terminal has vastly changed from the dark days of the 1970s.
The building was first restored in the latter 1980s bringing it up to standards for general commuter service. However, its most thorough restoration began in the mid-2000s when plans were formulated to restore the structure essentially back to its original appearance.
This long process was largely finished by 2011 when the former ferry slips were returned to service.
Today, commuters and sightseers can again catch a ride across the Hudson just as they could have generations ago during the "Golden Age" of rail travel.
The Hoboken Terminal as seen from across the Hudson River on the evening of September 9, 2009. Photo by Wikipedia user "Muncharelli."History
For most railroads attempting to serve the country's most important port city the New Jersey waterfront would be as close as they would get.
The two exceptions here were the East's most powerful systems, the Pennsylvania Railroad and New York Central.
The former reached Manhattan thanks to the efforts of its president, Alexander Cassatt, who spent millions during the early 20th century to lay tunnels beneath the Hudson while the latter was born on the island.
For all other railroads the only way to provide service was via a waterfront terminal and ferries. The most notable facilities were operated by:
- Delaware, Lackawanna & Western
- Central Railroad of New Jersey (whose ornate Jersey City Terminal is the only other such facility still standing),
- Erie Railroad
- Pennsylvania (before it built into Manhattan)
There were other railroads which shared these facilities including the Baltimore & Ohio, Lehigh Valley, and Reading.
While the Lackawanna was never provided significant intercity services it did field a small fleet of trains such as the Phoebe Snow, Owl, New Yorker, and Pocono Express serving Buffalo.
Hoboken Terminal's front façade and aged copper gives the building a timeless appearance. Wally Gobetz photo.The Delaware, Lackawanna & Western was formed in 1851 and was one of the Northeast's earliest railroads.
It has ties tracing back to the Liggetts Gap Railroad of 1832 (chartered to build a 56-mile route from Scranton to Great Bend, Pennsylvania) and the Hoboken Ferry Company of the 1770s (according to Mike Schafer's book, "Classic American Railroads: Volume III," this company was once led by a Revolutionary War commander, Colonel John Stevens).
During its peak years the DL&W operated a 396-mile main line connecting Hoboken with Buffalo with additional services to Oswego, Northumberland, Syracuse, and Ithaca.
Anthracite coal paid the bills and was always the company's most important business.
In addition, the Lackawanna operated a robust commuter business throughout the New York metropolitan region, even going so far as to electrify many of these local routes between 1930-1931 in an effort to increase speeds and improve operations.
Its coal traffic largely tailed away after World War II but the railroad weathered the loss better than most others thanks to an excellent management team.
The company was so well run it had never experienced a major bankruptcy or reorganization in its corporate history. Alas, as traffic sagged throughout the 1950s the DL&W needed a merger partner resulting in the union with the Erie to form Erie Lackawanna in 1960.
The construction of Hoboken Terminal was the result of a spectacular blaze during 1905 which had destroyed the original structure due to a ferry catching fire while docked.
As Solomon notes in his book, "Railroad Stations," the Hopatcong caught fire just before Midnight on August 7th and quickly spread throughout the facility.
Fortunately, the DL&W was experiencing record profits and had the resources to erect another grand terminal, which it wasted no time in doing.
The new facility was also the vision of President William Haynes Truesdale who had been working to modernize the railroad since he became president in 1899.
Perhaps his most noted accomplishment was the construction of the Lackawanna/New Jersey Cutoff, an arrow-straight upgrade to its main line stretching 25-miles between Port Morris, New Jersey and Slateford, Pennsylvania. It eliminate numerous grades, curves, and low clearances opening for service in 1915.
To show off the railroad's growing prestige it planned an elaborate new facility hiring noted architect Kenneth M. Murchison for the project.
Murchison, a native of New York City, had worked on other projects for the Lackawanna and also designed stations for the Pennsylvania, Florida East Coast, and Lehigh Valley.
He had studied in Paris and became known for designing buildings in the Beaux Arts style, which would include Hoboken. Since it was a waterfront terminal it did not carry the traditional look of a railroad station although this certainly did not take away from its beauty.
The approach tracks entered slightly south of the main, 750-foot long head house, meaning the staging tracks and platforms were not aligned with it. This resulted in the main terminal being slightly angled to the northeast in alignment with the river.
Perhaps the building's most recognizable feature was its copper-adorned façade. According to Brian Solomon's book, "Railway Depots, Stations & Terminals," it is believed this copper was the very same material left over from the construction of the Statue of Liberty.
Interestingly, its use was purely by happenstance. At the time of the terminal's construction there was so much left over it needed to either be used or sold for scrap. As a result, Murchison gladly incorporated it into the design.
The building's other remarkable feature was a new train shed, later replicated in other stations. The work of DL&W's chief engineer, Lincoln Bush, the structure was replicated by other railroads and carried his name.
Typical train sheds of the day were arched or rounded whereas Bush created a cantilevered design of steel, glass, and concrete that offered lower construction and maintenance costs.
Inside, Hoboken featured a Tiffany glass ceiling rising more than fifty feet above the main waiting room with walls of limestone, iron, and bronze.
Additionally, the main concourse was adorned in Greek Revival motifs. The building would also have a gorgeous double staircase from the main waiting room featuring ornate cast iron railings, which carried passengers above to waiting ferries.
While the terminal hosted Lackawanna's best known long-distance trains, such as the Phoebe Snow and New Yorker, locals depended upon it for its commuter services throughout the Tri-State area.
Another view of Hoboken Terminal and its ferry slips which are once again operational. Joe Mabel photo.Hoboken's first blow came during World War II when, as Schafer points out, its clock tower was removed in 1942 to reclaim its copper for the war effort.
Its second occurred after the war as folks abandoned trains for cars and planes. By the time Amtrak began service in the spring of 1971 all through, intercity trains stopped calling to the building (after their merger Erie and DL&W had consolidated most services at Hoboken).
According to Roger Grant's authoritative title, "Erie-Lackawanna: Death Of American Railroad, 1938-1992," the final westbound Lake Cities, train #5, departed the terminal on the evening of January 5, 1970.
Erie Lackawanna RS3 #925, still wearing its former Erie Railroad livery, has an outbound commuter run from Hoboken Terminal in September, 1965. Roger Puta photo.It arrived at Chicago's Dearborn Station the following afternoon and signaled the end of 87 years of continuous service between New York and Chicago.
Thankfully, the terminal has always functioned as a commuter station even during the industry's lowly years of the 1970s and 1980s which helped save from potential demolition.
Another saving grace was likely the loss of Manhattan's nearby Pennsylvania Station, razed during the 1960s in a last ditch effort by the PRR to stave off bankruptcy.
The loss of this architectural masterpiece also saved nearby Grand Central Terminal following an angry uprising preventing Penn Central from also leveling that building.
After its first restoration in the 1980s, Hoboken Terminal received a more thorough update beginning in the 2000s with the restoration of its iconic clock tower, unveiled to the public in 2007.
According to Stephanie Hoagland, an architectural historian on the tower project:
"We did not have any original drawings to use for the reconstruction. We had to completely re-design the tower based upon historic photographs and post cards.
I walked around the terminal many times trying to find elements remaining on the building which would have been similar to those used on the original tower. It took months of research and hard work.
We went through multiple designs tweaking and adjusting the size and design of the various elements to ensure that the final design was to scale and visually compatible with the original tower.
We also worked with the New Jersey Historic Preservation Office to get their approval for our final design. A lot of hard work went into the reconstruction [involving designers, fabricators, and contractors]."
The tower is entirely authentic with a clock, keeping time, at the top and adorned in matching copper. To read more about the terminal please click here.
Additionally, the original neon-lit "Lackawanna" sign also has been added to the tower. It's quite a sight to see during the nighttime hours.
The last restoration project of the building was its ferry slips, completed in 2011 and again serve in their original capacity as they did decades ago.
While long distance trains may never again call at the station it has held a much better fate than many other grand railroad stations and terminals across the country, and besides still serving in much of its original function you can visit the building any time you wish to see the magnificent architecture of the waiting room, concourse, and even the train shed of Hoboken Terminal.
Recent Articles
-
California -- Beer Tasting -- Train Rides
Aug 09, 26 10:56 AM
While the Niles Canyon Railway is known for family-friendly weekend excursions and seasonal classics, one of its most popular grown-up offerings is Beer on the Rails. -
New Jersey -- Beer Tasting -- Train Rides
Aug 09, 26 10:53 AM
On select dates, the Woodstown Central Railroad pairs its scenery with one of South Jersey’s most enjoyable grown-up itineraries: the Brew to Brew Train. -
Georgia -- Wild West -- Train Rides
Aug 09, 26 10:52 AM
Nestled within its lush hills and historic towns, the Peach State offers unforgettable train rides that channel the spirit of the Wild West. -
North Carolina -- Wild West -- Train Rides
Aug 09, 26 10:31 AM
North Carolina, a state known for its diverse landscapes ranging from serene beaches to majestic mountains, offers a unique blend of history and adventure through its Wild West train rides. -
Michigan -- Wine Tasting -- Train Rides
Aug 09, 26 10:28 AM
In this article, we’ll delve into the world of Michigan’s wine tasting train experiences that cater to both wine connoisseurs and railway aficionados. -
Indiana -- Wine Tasting -- Train Rides
Aug 09, 26 10:26 AM
In this article, we'll delve into the experience of wine tasting trains in Indiana, exploring their routes, services, and the rising popularity of this unique adventure. -
Illinois -- Murder Mystery -- Dinner Train Rides
Aug 09, 26 10:19 AM
Among Illinois's scenic train rides, one of the most unique and captivating experiences is the murder mystery excursion. -
Maryland -- Murder Mystery -- Dinner Train Rides
Aug 09, 26 10:05 AM
Maryland is known for its scenic landscapes, historical landmarks, and vibrant culture, but did you know that it’s also home to some of the most thrilling murder mystery dinner trains? -
East Broad Top Railroad Fall Foliage Train Ride (2026)
Aug 09, 26 12:09 AM
The East Broad Top Railroad at Rockhill Furnace / Orbisonia, Pennsylvania is not a mass-market “leaf special” brand so much as a living industrial-history railroad whose public calendar runs deep into… -
Strasburg Rail Road Whiskey on the Rails (2026)
Aug 08, 26 08:28 PM
Whiskey on the Rails is the Strasburg Rail Road’s intimate adult spirits product: a roughly 45-minute to one-hour steam ride through Lancaster County Amish Country aboard historic First Class Dining C… -
Indiana Whiskey & Bourbon Tasting Train Rides
Aug 08, 26 01:53 PM
Among IRE’s most talked-about offerings is the Wine & Whiskey Train—an adults-only, evening-style trip that leans into the best parts of classic rail travel: atmosphere, comfort, and a… -
Minnesota -- Beer Tasting -- Train Rides
Aug 08, 26 01:04 PM
Among the North Shore Scenic Railroad's special events, one consistently rises to the top for adults looking for a lively night out: the Beer Tasting Train. -
New Mexico Whiskey Tasting Train Rides
Aug 08, 26 12:52 PM
New Mexico’s high-desert rail scene has a clear spirits star: Sky Railway in Santa Fe, whose special-event calendar includes Whiskey on the Rails—a 21+ pop-up pairing Santa Fe Spirits with a round tri… -
Connecticut -- Whiskey Tasting -- Train Rides
Aug 08, 26 12:42 PM
While the Naugatuck Railroad runs a variety of trips throughout the year, one event has quickly become a “circle it on the calendar” outing for fans of great food and spirited tastings: the BBQ &a… -
Lake Superior & Mississippi Railroad Fall Foliage Train Rides (2026)
Aug 08, 26 11:44 AM
The Lake Superior & Mississippi Railroad—marketed as the Duluth River Train—offers a volunteer-run, roughly two-hour narrated round trip along the St. Louis River estuary from West Duluth. -
Coopersville & Marne Railway Fall / Pumpkin Trains (2026)
Aug 08, 26 11:19 AM
The Friends of the Coopersville & Marne Railway run West Michigan’s best-known autumn family train: the Pumpkin Train on October weekends, a roughly 90-minute Coopersville–Marne round trip with costum… -
Cape Cod Central Railroad Fall Foliage Train Rides (2026)
Aug 08, 26 11:12 AM
The Cape Cod Central Railroad is southeastern Massachusetts’s main tourist-and-dining rail product: narrated scenic trains and multi-course dining trains from Hyannis, West Barnstable, and Buzzards Ba… -
Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad Fall Foliage Train Rides (2026)
Aug 08, 26 10:39 AM
The Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad in Boone, Iowa is the Midwest’s high-bridge foliage train: Fraser excursions cross the towering Bass Point Creek High Bridge through the Des Moines River valley as h… -
Belfast & Moosehead Lake Railroad Fall Foliage Train Ride (2026)
Aug 08, 26 10:18 AM
The Belfast & Moosehead Lake Railroad markets a dedicated Fall Foliage Train Ride from its Unity, Maine venue: roughly a one-hour round trip through Waldo County woods and farmland when birch, maple… -
Pennsylvania -- Wild West -- Train Rides
Aug 08, 26 10:06 AM
The Keystone State is home to a variety of historical attractions, but few experiences can rival the excitement and nostalgia of a Wild West train ride. -
Alabama -- Wild West -- Train Rides
Aug 08, 26 10:04 AM
Although Alabama isn't the traditional setting for Wild West tales, the state provides its own flavor of historic rail adventures that draw enthusiasts year-round. -
South Dakota -- Wine Tasting -- Train Rides
Aug 08, 26 10:02 AM
For wine enthusiasts and adventurers alike, South Dakota introduces a novel way to experience its local viticulture: wine tasting aboard the Black Hills Central Railroad. -
West Virginia -- Wine Tasting -- Train Rides
Aug 08, 26 10:00 AM
West Virginia, often celebrated for its breathtaking landscapes and rich history, offers visitors a unique way to explore its rolling hills and picturesque vineyards: wine tasting trains. -
New Mexico -- Murder Mystery -- Train Rides
Aug 08, 26 09:58 AM
Among Sky Railway's most theatrical offerings is “A Murder Mystery,” a 2–2.5 hour immersive production that drops passengers into a stylized whodunit on the rails. -
Maryland -- Murder Mystery -- Dinner Train Rides
Aug 08, 26 09:55 AM
Maryland is known for its scenic landscapes, historical landmarks, and vibrant culture, but did you know that it’s also home to some of the most thrilling murder mystery dinner trains? -
Whitewater Valley Railroad Fall Foliage Flyer (2026)
Aug 08, 26 08:27 AM
The Whitewater Valley Railroad markets a dedicated Fall Foliage Flyer each October: a five-hour weekday round trip from Connersville, Indiana to historic Metamora with a two-hour layover for shopping… -
North Shore Scenic Railroad Fall Colors Train Rides (2026)
Aug 08, 26 08:17 AM
The North Shore Scenic Railroad in Duluth, Minnesota—operated with the Lake Superior Railroad Museum from historic Duluth Union Depot—markets the Two Harbors Fall Colors Tour as its headline autumn pr… -
Leadville Railroad Fall Train Rides (2026)
Aug 07, 26 11:55 PM
The Leadville Railroad (formerly marketed as the Leadville, Colorado & Southern) runs from historic Leadville, Colorado—one of the highest incorporated cities in the U.S.—into the surrounding Rockies… -
FWRHS Acquires Nickel Plate Road Business Car No. 1
Aug 07, 26 11:48 PM
The Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society (FWRHS) has acquired Nickel Plate Road business car No. 1, a 1929 Pullman built for the Van Sweringen brothers’ rail empire. -
Santa Fe Bicentennial SD45-2 No. 5704 To Attend America 250 Event
Aug 07, 26 11:44 PM
The Southern California Railway Museum’s restored Santa Fe Railway SD45-2 No. 5704 is eastbound for the America 250 Locomotive Celebration at the North Carolina Transportation Museum in Spencer, set f… -
IRM Repaints Ingersoll-Rand 91 in 1976 Bicentennial Livery
Aug 07, 26 11:25 PM
Illinois Railway Museum Diesel Department volunteers have cosmetically restored the museum’s oldest diesel locomotive, Ingersoll-Rand No. 91, to the red, white, and blue scheme it wore for the 1976 Un… -
Hocking Valley Scenic Railway Fall Foliage Train Ride (2026)
Aug 07, 26 10:22 PM
The Hocking Valley Scenic Railway in Nelsonville, Ohio is the Hocking Hills region’s dedicated autumn rail product. Each year the railroad markets October Fall Foliage trains—roughly two-hour round tr… -
Delaware & Ulster Railroad Fall Foliage Train Ride (2026)
Aug 07, 26 07:12 PM
The Delaware & Ulster Railroad (DURR) is back as a Catskills heritage operation from Arkville, New York, marketing scenic rides every Saturday through fall 2026. -
Durango & Silverton Fall Foliage Train Ride (2026)
Aug 07, 26 03:19 PM
The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad is southwest Colorado’s bucket-list autumn steam (and diesel) ride: a climb from Durango through the Animas Canyon toward historic Silverton, with San Jua… -
Michigan -- Murder Mystery -- Dinner Train Rides
Aug 07, 26 12:51 PM
Among the lesser-known treasures of this state are the intriguing murder mystery dinner train rides—a perfect blend of suspense, dining, and scenic exploration. -
Virginia Scenic Sip & Savor Express (2026): Wine & Cider Tasting Train
Aug 07, 26 12:42 PM
The Sip & Savor Express is the Virginia Scenic Railway’s flagship tasting product: a about three-hour guided wine or cider experience with artisan charcuterie, departing from either Louisa or Staunton… -
Virginia -- Murder Mystery -- Dinner Train Rides
Aug 07, 26 12:39 PM
Among the state's railroad attractions, murder mystery dinner trains stand out as a captivating fusion of theatrical entertainment, fine dining, and scenic travel. -
Utah -- Wine Tasting -- Train Rides
Aug 07, 26 12:32 PM
Utah, a state widely celebrated for its breathtaking natural beauty and dramatic landscapes, is also gaining recognition for an unexpected yet delightful experience: wine tasting trains. -
Vermont -- Wine Tasting -- Train Rides
Aug 07, 26 12:25 PM
Known for its stunning green mountains, charming small towns, and burgeoning wine industry, Vermont offers a unique experience that seamlessly blends all these elements: wine tasting train rides. -
North Carolina -- Whiskey Tasting -- Train Rides
Aug 07, 26 12:21 PM
One of the GSMR's most distinctive special events is Spirits on the Rail, a bourbon-focused dining experience built around curated drinks and a chef-prepared multi-course meal. -
Western Maryland Murder Mystery Dinner Train (2026)
Aug 06, 26 02:56 PM
The Western Maryland Scenic Railroad (WMSR) in Cumberland, Maryland runs one of the Mid-Atlantic’s best-known Murder Mystery Dinner Trains: a roughly three-hour, 21+ evening with dinner and interactiv… -
Warren County Winery Train Phillipsburg NJ (2026)
Aug 06, 26 02:37 PM
The Warren County Winery Train, operated by Delaware River Railroad Excursions from Phillipsburg, New Jersey, is a high-frequency wine tasting product. -
River Fox Murder Mystery Dinner Train (2026)
Aug 06, 26 02:19 PM
The River Fox Train (Sacramento RiverTrain operations) in West Sacramento, California runs a Murder Mystery Dinner Train for ages 21+: dinner and dessert plus interactive theater as characters scheme… -
Monticello Railway Museum Murder Mystery Dinner Train (2026)
Aug 06, 26 01:33 PM
The Monticello Railway Museum in Monticello, Illinois hosts the state’s main Murder Mystery Dinner Train: an approximately two-hour evening with a three-course meal prepared by Michaels’ Catering of C… -
Cumbres & Toltec Fall Colors Train Ride (2026): Aspens, Pass & Tips
Aug 06, 26 12:45 PM
The Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad straddles the Colorado–New Mexico line between Chama, New Mexico and Antonito, Colorado—a steam-powered narrow-gauge climb over Cumbres Pass through aspen forests… -
LM&M Murder Mystery Train Lebanon OH (2026)
Aug 06, 26 12:04 PM
The Lebanon Mason Monroe Railroad (LM&M) in Lebanon, Ohio offers a Murder Mystery Train built for Cincinnati/Dayton day-trippers: about three hours total, 21+, with interactive theater from The Murder… -
Heber Valley Wine & Cheese Tasting Train (2026)
Aug 06, 26 11:58 AM
The Heber Valley Railroad in Heber City, Utah markets a Wine & Cheese Tasting Train as its signature adult tasting product: a roughly 90-minute evening ride with a guided five-course wine tasting and… -
Backcountry Wine Train, Campo CA (2026)
Aug 06, 26 11:13 AM
The Backcountry Wine Train is the Pacific Southwest Railway Museum’s adults-oriented wine tasting excursion from the Campo Railroad Museum in San Diego County’s East County high desert. -
Rhode Island -- Wine Tasting -- Train Rides
Aug 06, 26 10:19 AM
It may the smallest state but Rhode Island is home to a unique and upscale train excursion offering wide aboard their trips, the Newport & Narragansett Bay Railroad. -
Maryland -- Whiskey Tasting -- Train Rides
Aug 06, 26 09:46 AM
You can enjoy whiskey tasting by train at just one location in Maryland, the popular Western Maryland Scenic Railroad based in Cumberland.
