Windsor was the first Capital of Vermont. In 1777 delegates met to discuss Statehood and draft a Constitution. Vermont existed as an independent Republic until 1791 when it became the fourteenth State. Windsor remained the part-time capital of Vermont until 1808. In 1843, the legislature chartered the Vermont Central Railroad to traverse the state. The track ran along the Connecticut River and was opened to traffic in 1849. The original station suffered extensive damage by fire, the Central Vermont Railway re-built this Depot in 1900 and opened on January 1, 1901. Part of the design is a wide overhang to protect passengers from inclement weather as they waited on the platform for the arriving trains. The track side bay (now the Station Master Dining Room), with windows on all three sides, gave the Station Master an unobstructed view up and down the railroad tracks. At the north end of the Depot is a wide canopy (currently outside heated dining space) extended from the station along the platform to shelter workers as they transferred baggage from the trains to the freight room (the current kitchen). The original depot featured separate waiting rooms for men (current Barroom) and women (main dining room) that reflected Victorian customs at the time. Windsor Station remained an active train station until the mid-sixties when the building was shuttered. In the mid-1970’s a team leased the building from Central Vermont Railway and converted it into a restaurant. The restaurant changed hands in 1976 and was successfully run by the same family for 35 years. The building was abandoned in October of 2010. In April 2013 the current owner/operators rescued the then derelict property and made extensive renovations and added period decorations. Along with providing excellent food and service, they have turned the property into a thriving and successful operation. Amtrak service continues with the newly built platform alongside the building. The “Vermonter Train” runs from Washington D.C. to St. Albans-Burlington, VT passing through Baltimore, NYC, Philadelphia along the way. The Southbound train stops at Windsor Station around noon and the Northbound stops around 6pm to the delight of lunch and dinner customers. Step inside this epic station and it will take you back to a different era. Partake of the Food and Drink and it will more than please your palate. Windsor Station Restaurant is the pulse of the Town. There are 13 on site parking spaces plus lots on Town parking in front of Station.