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George Mason University. Libraries. Special Collections Research Center
Fenwick Library, MS2FLGreta Kuriger
Public Domain. There are no known restrictions.
There are no access restrictions.
The entire collection is available online through the Atchison Union Depot & Railroad Company collection. You can also access the digital objects through the inventory on this finding aid.
Atchison Union Depot & Railroad Company photograph collection, C0187, Special Collections Research Center, George Mason University Libraries.
Purchased from Fine Antiquarian Books in 2010.
Processed by Greta Kuriger in January 2011. EAD markup completed by Greta Kuriger in January 2011. Updated by Greta Kuriger Suiter in February 2013. Finding aid updated by Amanda Menjivar in January 2023.
On January 6, 1888, a locomotive boiler explosion occurred at the railroad station in Atchison, Kansas. It is possible that these photographs were taken after that explosion. The explosion created a fire and enough damage that the station had to close. Rebuilding was delayed due the high price of acquiring needed extra track room.
This collection consists of five photographs by an unknown photographer. Three of the photographs show extensive damage to the tracks, platform, and bricks at the railroad station and two of these show Dr. Dan and C. M. Rathburn, who was President of the Atchison Union Depot & Railroad Company. The other two photographs are of a non-damaged locomotive and two railroad employees.
Arranged by subject.
The Special Collections Research Center holds many other photograph and transportation collections.
Handwritten on verso: "Tied up, Atchison, Kansas"; black and white photograph; 5.25" x 3.25"
Handwritten on verso: "Holes in platform. Dr. Dan - grey hat, C. M. Rathburn (hat and long coat), Atchison Station Kansas"; black and white photograph; 5.25" x 3"
Handwritten on verso: "Tracks, brick all gone, Atchison, Kansas, C. M. Rathburn in hat and long coat"; black and white photograph; 3" x 5.25"
Handwritten on verso: "Platform all torn up, Dr. Dan, Atchison Kansas"; black and white photograph; 3.25" x 5.25"
Handwritten on verso: "Bridge plug, Atchison, Kansas"; black and white photograph; 3" x 5.25"
Photocopy of typewritten copy of Charles M. Rathburn biography from the Genealogical and Biographical Record of North-Eastern Kansas from 1900; 1 page