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Exploring the Historical Context of Union Station in Washington, D.C. on August 14, 1963

Take a look at a cool old photo of Union Station in Washington, D.C. taken by Thomas O'Halloran on August 14, 1963. Learn more about the historical context of the photo including the Great Train Robbery, James Meredith's graduation, and the March on Washington.
1909 map of Observatory Circle
President Johnson signs the 1968 Civil Rights Act - April 11th, 1968

What a cool old photo of Union Station (here’s another amazing photo). This was taken by Thomas O’Halloran on August 14, 1963.

Passengers seated in long benches in the waiting room of Union Station, Washington, D.C.
Passengers seated in long benches in the waiting room of Union Station, Washington, D.C.
Source: Library of Congress

For some historical context, on August 8th, the Great Train Robbery took place in England and on August 18th, James Meredith became the first African-American to graduate from the University of Mississippi. Oh, and there was a really big march on at the Lincoln Memorial later that month. We wrote a few posts about it that you should check out.

Here are a few more photos taken by different photographers that same day. These are great.

Passengers including nuns walking near trains, Union Station, Washington, D.C.
Passengers including nuns walking near trains, Union Station, Washington, D.C.
Passengers and train employees walking near trains, Union Station, Washington, D.C.
Passengers and train employees walking near trains, Union Station, Washington, D.C.
Passengers and train employees walking near trains, Union Station, Washington, D.C.
Passengers and train employees walking near trains, Union Station, Washington, D.C.

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