A mid-century bus terminal that served Greyhound Lines and became a landmark in American transportation history, hosting servicemen during World War II and holding significance in the Civil Rights Movement.
At a glance
Built in 1940, the Old Greyhound Terminal operated as a major hub for intercity bus travel in Washington, D.C. for nearly five decades. Located at 1100 New York Avenue NW in Northwest, the terminal exemplified the era’s functional modernism and served as a vital infrastructure for both military and civilian movement throughout the twentieth century.
History
The terminal opened in 1940 as Greyhound Lines expanded its national network. During World War II, the station played a critical role in transporting American servicemen, making it a bustling center of wartime activity. In later decades, the terminal gained historical significance for its minor role in the Civil Rights Movement, serving travelers during a transformative period in American society. The building remained in operation through the 1980s before being redeveloped.
What you see
The original structure reflected the streamlined aesthetic characteristic of 1940s American commercial architecture. When a new high-rise office building was constructed at 1100 New York Avenue in 1991, preservationists intervened to save the terminal. Most of the original building was incorporated into the modern development, preserving its architectural legacy within the contemporary structure.
Cultural significance
The Old Greyhound Terminal represents a crucial node in mid-twentieth-century American infrastructure and social history. Its role in transporting military personnel during World War II made it a symbol of national mobilization. The terminal’s connection to Civil Rights-era travel reflects the broader social currents flowing through American public transportation during this pivotal period.
Key facts
- Country: United States
- City: Washington, D.C.
- Address: 1100 New York Avenue NW, Northwest Washington, D.C.
- Coordinates: 38.90055556, -77.0275
- Operational period: 1940–1980s
Practical information & getting there
The site is now part of the modern office complex at 1100 New York Avenue NW. You can visit the location in Northwest Washington, D.C., which remains accessible by public transportation in the heart of the city’s business district.
Sources & resources
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