An older Depot, the Union Passenger Station, built in 1872 in the elaborate Second Empire-style.

The Pennsylvania Railroad Depot is the central landmark of the Richmond Depot District. It is the third depot to stand on the site, and was designed by famed architect Daniel Burnham and completed in 1902. It is situated on North "E" Street near the corner of Fort Wayne Avenue on land that was originally owned by Jeremiah Cox, one of a number of Quakers who helped found Richmond in the early 1800's. Cox eventually sold several acres of his land to Charles and Elizabeth Starr, for whom the adjacent Starr neighborhood is named. The Starr family were successful entrepreneurs who became well known for the founding of the Starr-Gennett record company, among other businesses which helped make Richmond a thriving city. Realizing Richmond needed a railroad to expand its export of goods to neighboring cities, Charles Starr donated his land to build a railroad station.

During its heyday, the Depot was visited by Presidents Franklin Roosevelt, Harry Truman and Dwight Eisenhower. Legendary jazz musicians came through the Depot on their way to record at the Starr-Gennett record company; names like Hoagy Carmichael, Cole Porter, Louis Armstrong and Tommy Dorsey.

The Depot District is made up of architecturally significant commercial buildings built during the late 1800's to early 1900's. The Italianate architectural style is prominent, and most of the buildings are still well-preserved today. Fort Wayne Avenue was formerly known as Quaker Trace and was significant not only for its transport of goods and services, but also as an important route along the underground railroad.

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