Book excerpt: "[S]ociety so often allows masterpieces of architecture...to be destroyed or altered as though real estate ownership supersedes any other value system....The best railroad stations were conceived in the dreams of architects and civil engineers, and then brought to life by talented craftspeople....This guidebook is a tribute not only to those who built these stations, but also the railroaders who worked within the depots and on the platforms...." — Janet Greenstein Potter Bustling nerve centers of a dynamic young society on the move, grand last farewells and first welcomes for millions of weary travelers, enduring monuments to the birth of the world's first truly modern nation, railroad stations played a central role in the shaping of the United States and its unique culture. Now, in this, the definitive guide to America's great railroad stations, writer and architectural historian Janet Greenstein Potter tells the stories of more than 700 of these masterpieces. An excellent resource for on-site and armchair travelers alike, this lavishly illustrated guide provides a generous mix of historical and practical information. Potter provides a detailed biographical profile of each station, covering the year of construction, name of original railroad, designer, style, and materials. Focusing on buildings that are still standing, she discusses depots that have been restored as well as those on the verge of distinction, explains what the station is used for today, and describes its current condition from a preservation/restoration standpoint. And, with the help of more than 500 beautiful archival photographs and detailed drawings, she helps you to gain a fuller understanding of what these structures were like in their heyday. For quick, easy reference, the book has been organized by region. Stations in all 50 of the United States are covered, and the street addresses of each building have been provided. Offering an unparalleled opportunity to experience the grandeur and vitality of a bygone era, Great American Railroad Stations is an indispensable resource for travelers, architects and design professionals, preservationists, and train and transportation enthusiasts.