Jordanhill railway station in Glasgow holds an unusual place in internet history: it was the subject of Wikipedia's one millionth English article, a feat commemorated by a plaque on platform one.
The article about the station was created on March 1, 2006, becoming the one millionth published on the English Wikipedia. It was written by Ewan MacDonald, a Wikipedia user who edits under the username Nach0king.
A milestone celebrated online
According to Wikinews, tension was high before the millionth article was posted. A live chatroom saw more than 3,000 celebratory messages when MacDonald's page went live, and chatting had to be disabled until things calmed down.
MacDonald wrote on his user page at the time: "While I am, of course, delighted at being the one to hit this milestone, I must confess, along with many others I timed my contributions tonight to give me a chance at being the lucky one."
Wikipedia co-founder Jimmy Wales also commented: "We are thrilled that our millionth article in English is about the Jordanhill railway station. This is not something which would appear in a traditional encyclopaedia, and it shows how Wikipedia reflects the needs and interests of people everywhere, and not just the dictates of what academics and cultural mavens claim is worthy of an encyclopaedia."
A plaque and a commuter station
Today, a simple plaque at Jordanhill railway station notes its place in internet history. Located on platform one, it has become an unlikely tourist attraction.
The station sits in the Jordanhill area of Glasgow's West End and is used by commuters travelling to and from the city centre. It lies on the Argyle Line and the North Clyde Line, is regulated by Transport Scotland, and is managed by ScotRail.
The station has a small car park, a ticket machine, waiting shelters, and cycle spaces, but is not permanently staffed. Both platforms are elevated, with a wheelchair ramp and a footbridge connecting them.
Jordanhill railway station originally opened in the late 19th century as part of the Glasgow, Yoker, and Clydebank Railway. At that time, Jordanhill was home to many artisans and miners, and the line gave workers and residents easy access to Glasgow's centre.
