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We will never pass this way again, simply put, because the
train don’t stop here anymore.
Of course, the passenger train hasn’t stopped at the Huntsville Depot for many years, and
although freight trains still run down this track, little freight is downloaded
here anymore either.
At one point it was said that this Historic building was the oldest operating railroad building in the United States. No more.
Tragically, fire ripped through this empty shell in the predawn hours of March 11, leaving little more that three naked brick walls. Reports indicate that arson is the culprit.
Some would suggest that the burning of the historic building was an organized crime, and for
illicit and short sighted gain. The Historic Huntsville Foundation claims to have been attempting renovation of the building, however, ownership was still apparently that of Norfolk Southern.
In a country that has few historic monuments and a relatively short history, this is truly a tragic loss.
The Huntsville City Planning Commission, Norfolk Southern, and the Historic preservationists need to come together to facilitate a plan to save what is left of the monument. If Norfolk Southern and the future plans for Huntsville won’t allow to eliminate the active sidetracks, thereby making the building accessible to the public, then be done with it and tear it down.
