Cracked in Half: The Union Depot Railroad Station

The Union Depot Railroad Station on Seventh Street completely collapsed when the tornado came through. Witnesses said they could hear the large building crack as the storm hit. The wind struck from the south and lifted off the building's roof, throwing it several feet north. It was estimated that 50 people were in the station at the time. Many were trapped and seriously injured, but fortunately no one died. 

In the days after the storm, the Louisville Legion patrolled affected streets for thieves and looters. On March 28, 1890, the Courier-Journal reported, “Thieves this morning, hearing of the cyclone, came down the river in boats to rob the ruins of the Union depot, which was full of valuable luggage and money. The thieves were warned that they would be shot on site, and not arrested.”