The red railroad car on Church Street has an interesting past

On your way in and out of downtown Huntsville, you’ve probably spotted the bright red railroad car with big white letters that read, “TWICKENHAM STATION.”

But, do you know what those words reference? We’ve got the story.

The caboose used to sit next to a restaurant

“Twickenham Station” was a restaurant popular in Huntsville in the ’70s and ’80s, located near the Von Braun Center. Their happy hours were a hit, and it was a favorite spot for first dates, prom night dinners and birthdays.

According to visitors of Twickenham Station (who left their raving comments in a post by Huntsville Revisited), the food was top-notch and the service excellent. They were known for their Wilted Spinach Salad with a horseradish-y dressing, green onions, cheddar cheese and hard-boiled eggs, which they served at their extensive salad bar. Their drinks were also top-notch, including the ever-popular sangria.

So, where does the railroad car come in? That’s what made Twickenham Station really unique. Diners could eat their delicious meals inside old railroad cars, and the bright red one that sits on Church Street was one of them.

Where you can see the railroad car today

The railroad car is still as bright red as it was back in the ’70s and ’80s, when diners feasted on fried food and made memories inside.

If you’re looking for a little piece of Huntsville history, this one is easily accessible (and makes for a great photo op). It sits outside Southern States Bank on Church Street, and you can get a good view of it if you’re dining at Mason Dixon Bakery & Bistro.

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