Union Station's historic role as a rail and dining hub

Union Station opened in 1907 as Washington, D.C.'s principal Beaux-Arts rail terminal, designed by Daniel H. Burnham. From its earliest years the station included prominent dining rooms and concession facilities serving travelers and Washington residents. Over the 20th century it continued to function as a central place for food service to rail passengers and today houses a modern food hall and restaurants within its historic concourse.