A 1:48 scale model of Birmingham Terminal Station. (Marvin Clemons)

This week, an educational exhibit spotlighting Birmingham’s former Terminal Station will be unveiled at its new home at the Leeds Railroad Depot.

New exhibit spotlights historic Birmingham Terminal Station

Did you know that Birmingham once had a proper passenger train station?

Constructed in 1909, Birmingham Terminal Station was a massive railway station located on the eastern end of 5th Avenue North in downtown Birmingham. Big enough to cover two city blocks, the station was the primary arrival point for out-of-town visitors during the heyday of railway travel in the first half of the 20th century.

As car and air travel grew in popularity, the corresponding decline in railway travel led to Birmingham Terminal Station’s neglect and demolition in 1969; the loss of the historic train station became a rallying cry for local preservationists.

Fun fact: The architect behind Birmingham Terminal Station, Philip Thornton Marye, also designed Highlands Methodist Church in Five Points South and the Gulf, Mobile and Ohio Passenger Terminal in Mobile, AL.

To honor the station’s legacy and significance, a group of passionate railway enthusiasts have crafted a new exhibit titled Terminal Station: Birmingham’s Great Temple of Travel.

First unveiled at a temporary exhibit at Vulcan Park & Museum in 2019, Terminal Station: Birmingham’s Great Temple of Travel is “a compelling new exhibit that explores the architectural splendor and historic significance of Birmingham’s iconic Terminal Station” with historic drawings, photographs, postcards and an eight-foot, 1:48 scale model of Birmingham Terminal Station handcrafted by Gene Clements.

“We are deeply grateful to the City of Leeds for its continued stewardship of this historic property and for supporting our mission to preserve and share local history. This exhibit celebrates a landmark that was once the heart of Birmingham’s rail travel, and we are excited to share it with the public.”
Randy Ray, President of the Leeds Historical Society

Attend the grand opening of Terminal Station: Birmingham’s Great Temple of Travel

The Birmingham Terminal Station exhibit will be unveiled in its new home on Friday, August 1, with a special ribbon-cutting ceremony at 10AM. The following day, the exhibit will be officially opened to the public.

What: Grand Opening Celebration of Terminal Station: Birmingham’s Great Temple of Travel
When: Saturday, August 2 | 10AM to 2PM
Where: Leeds Railroad Depot, 901 Thornton Ave NE, Leeds, AL 35094

The Grand Opening Celebration will kick off at 10AM with brief introductory remarks, followed by refreshments and the official opening of the exhibit.

Welcome & Introductions
- Randy Ray, President, Leeds Historical Society
- James Lowery, President, Mid-South Chapter of the Railway & Locomotive Historical Society
Special Presentations
- Cynthia Cardona, President & CEO Vulcan Park & Museum
- Phillip Ratliff, Exhibit Curator
- Marvin Clemons, Railroad Historian

Planning to attend the Grand Opening of Terminal Station: Birmingham’s Great Temple of Travel at the Leeds Railroad Depot? Tag us @bhamnow to let us know!