The Central Vermont Railroad was founded by John Smith, and the first trains arrived in St. Albans in 1850. The original station was replaced in 1866-7 by this structure designed and built by William Howe. The shed was 88 feet wide and covered 30,000 square feet. At one time 23 tracks crossed Lake Street, giving St. Albans the moniker “Rail City.” The general offices of the Central Vermont Railroad were housed here as well. The tower was removed between 1915-1923, and the shed was razed in 1963 by the owner, the Canadian National Railroad.