National Train Day

Statement

National Train Day

On May 10, 1869, two railroad companies, Union Pacific and Central Pacific, joined 1,776 miles of rail at Promontory Summit, Utah Territory with a "golden spike" driven into the final tie.

America was transformed in this moment, as our nation's first transcontinental railroad was born on this day nearly 140 years ago.

Trains have transported people, crops, livestock, coal, and countless other goods and supplies. But our train heritage has also made a mark on our citizens, our culture, and even our maps.

The Burlington and Missouri River Railroad line, built west from Lincoln, was known as "The Alphabet Line" for its station names given in alphabetical order. To this day, we can find Arlington, Berks, Crete, Dorchester, Exeter, Fairmont, Grafton and others on the map of Nebraska, all of which owe their names to the Alphabet Line.

Trains were also vital during our war efforts, transporting troops, equipment and supplies across the country.

Between 1941 and 1946, millions of troops traveling by rail found a small bit of comfort when their trains stopped in North Platte and they were able to visit the North Platte Canteen.

At the war's peak 3,000 to 5,000 troops were greeted 24-hours a day as they stepped off trains from bases across the nation. North Platte provided these troops a brief respite from the fear and uncertainty they faced.

Today, trains are a part of our culture. Agatha Christie took mystery lovers on the Orient Express, radio listeners can hum about the train known as the City of New Orleans, and the fantasy characters of C.S. Lewis's Chronicles of Narnia used London's train system.

Every year, thousand of commuters use our rail systems, whether they are commuting for work or traveling for pleasure.

The freight railroad industry, in 2006, produced over 1.77 trillion ton-miles generating revenue of $54 billion. At a time when high energy costs are the chief cause of high costs of food and goods, trains are a less costly alternative.

Union Pacific Bailey yards, located right here in North Platte, is the largest railroad classification yard in the world. The yard covers 2,850 acres and is able to handle 10,000 railroad cars in one 24-hour period; put end-to-end, the 315 miles of track in the yards would reach from North Platte past Omaha.

Throughout the modern history of the United States, the rail industry has helped our society grow. It has been there for us in times of war, in times of peace, and helped the expansion of our great country.

National Train Day is an opportunity to celebrate an industry which has helped make Nebraska - and our nation - strong.

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