Today's letter is.......U
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UNION STATION, KANSAS CITY - IS IT HAUNTED?
Is the Union Station in Kansas City, Missouri haunted? As your footsteps echo on the highly polished floors, your eyes are drawn upward. The vast ceiling is awe inspiring. Beautiful and intricate artwork, and huge chandeliers make you catch your breath. Voices are hushed, as you feel the history emanating from the walls.
You think of all the souls that have passed through this train station throughout the years..soldiers travelling to their next duty stations during WWII, regular travellers, and even fugitives from the law.
Built in 1914, Union Station operated for many years, until a slow decline in business forced it to close in 1985. After a renovation, in 1996, it was opened as a museum. By 2002, it was again being used as a train station, when Amtrak began service. There are many attractions, besides train travel to be seen here now. There is the museum's history and displays, kid friendly, hands on learning areas, restaurants, and gift shops.
Outside, you can go on an elevated walkway above the huge trains. You can feel the vibrations of the great engines, and look down at the tops of them. There are many photo opportunities in and around Crown Point, inside and out. The architecture is amazing.
We learned, too of the Union Station Massacre. It took place right outside, in 1933. The shooting took place, as FBI agents were transferring a fugitive back to Leavenworth prison. Gang members tried to free him from the agents, and a gun battle resulted in the fugitive being killed...his head blown off. You can still see bullet holes in the building's exterior walls.
I've heard it said that the headless fugitive's ghost roams around the station, now. Employees, during after hours, have seen and heard this, as well as other paranormal entities. There are reports of a lady, dressed in black, that walks up and down the stairs at night, and phantom travellers with suitcases roam around. Eerie train whistles can be heard, when no trains are there.
Union Station is a very interesting place to visit, even if you are not travelling. I would definitely urge you to go, if you are in the area.
Thanks for reading! If you'd like to, visit my other blog for the letter U. It is at http://teleportingweena.wordpress.com
Peace, Love, & Writing
Ooh! Sounds like Union Station has got a rich history and is ripe for hauntings!
ReplyDeleteMy current book project is a haunted travel guide for north Texas, so this is right up my alley!
~Tui Snider~ Dropping by from the A to Z challenge! :D
@TuiSnider on Twitter
My blog: Tui Snider's Offbeat & Overlooked Travel
I am also part of the #StoryDam team, a friendly writing community!
Hi, Tui! Thanks for stopping by, and for your comment! It was awesome to go through Union Station. Wish I'd have seen a ghost when we were there! Looking forward to your haunted travel guide. I have quite a few Twitter followers that are ghost hunters in Texas. I'll give you their @s over there. Maybe they can give you some more information you can use. I enjoy reading your AtoZ posts, too! All my best to you!
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