The coming of the railroad to Staunton in 1854 transformed the community from a rural village into a center of commerce. The surrounding commercial district became known as "The Wharf", due to the trains that pulled onto sidings and loaded their wares directly into the warehouse (still standing across Middlebrook Avenue) via gangplanks.

At the turn of the century a major train derailment demolished the existing train station. Local architect T.J. Collins designed a new structure that was erected in 1902. The C&O Train Station was in use into the 1960's, when it was essentially abandoned. The property was renovated in 1989 with technical assistance from the Historic Staunton Foundation.

Today the train station and surrounding area are once again a hub of economic activity, giving living proof to the local wisdom that our future lies in the past.

The Group-616 Restaurant 12 Eastbrook Ave. Staunton, Virginia 13301   430-554-3252 info@616group.org