The Union Station Clock

A closer look at the impressive clock atop Union Station on Broadway.  The large clock is framed by a heavy wreath, crowned by an eagle, and flanked by the figures of Liberty and Justice (though it's rather interesting to note that this Lady Justice is not depicted with a blindfold as is usual).  A banner below has the State's motto, Excelsior.  

This clock is among the many ornate details on the former train station, now also called Kiernan Plaza.  All Over Albany has a nice set of recent photos of the grand interior.


Gawking At Kiernan Plaza @AOA

Previous posts:  Old Station Metalwork and Forgotten Fountain

Rail History In Pine Hills

This marker, identifying the spot where the first chartered railroad in New York State began its debut trip from Albany to Schenectady, stands on the point where Western Avenue (seen above) converges with Madison Avenue in Pine Hills. The company was chartered in 1825 and the first train - yellow passenger cars drawn by the famous DeWitt Clinton steam locomotive - departed from Albany near this intersection on September 24, 1831. The sixteen-mile trip through the Pine Bush took about forty minutes.

The Old Rail Bridge

The old Livingston Avenue Bridge as viewed from Corning Preserve. The original bridge here was constructed in 1866 with the first train (called the Augustus Schell) crossing on February 18. The current bridge shown here was rebuilt in 1901, though I've heard that some of the stone supports from the original bridge were reused.

The main section of the bridge swings open on a massive pivot to allow tall boats to pass through.

Looking up at the underside of the bridge, it's easy to see the effects of a century of use and corrosion. But it's estimated that the cost to replace the bridge - which still actively carries both freight and passenger trains across the Hudson River - is well in excess of $50 million.