Additional Statements

Floor Speech

Mr. BARRASSO. Mr. President, today I wish to recognize the 100th anniversary of the Evanston Roundhouse and Rail Yards. This impressive site, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is a lasting landmark and a national treasure.

Evanston is truly a special place, and the railroad has had a huge impact on its history. In fact, Evanston would not exist today had it not been for the railroad. Like the rest of the area, a large part of Wyoming's development depended on migrants coming from the East. Some traveled on famous emigrant trails like the Oregon and California Trails. But many followed the train tracks as the transcontinental railroad forged a new path across the West. The transcontinental railroad had particular importance in Wyoming's development. Steam engines needed water-refilling stations, and these stations quickly became hubs of commerce in the State. Evanston was the Union Pacific's last stop in Wyoming, and its settlement depended on the railroad.

In 1868, tracks finally reached Evanston, and a town of tents cropped up around the station. This prosperity was only short-lived because the managers soon ordered the station to be moved 12 miles west to Wasatch. Because of the transfer, the town's population disappeared virtually overnight. Evanston was in danger of becoming another ``end of the line'' town. Fortunately, the station moved back to Evanston later that summer--and it stayed there. The railroad provided a stable job base and nearby coal mines encouraged the settlement of the town. Just as the railroad depended on its workers, the town depended on the trains.

Evanston enjoyed great success as a water-filling station. The increased production and prosperity of the Union Pacific warranted new facilities to accommodate its increased traffic. In 1871, a new roundhouse and a shop complex were constructed. The station was designated as the major Union Pacific maintenance facility between Green River, WY, and Ogden, UT. In the next 30 years, the station prospered and the town of Evanston expanded. In 1912, the Union Pacific approved additional upgrades. The construction included a new roundhouse, a state-of-the-art turntable, and electricity for the other buildings in the complex.

Many technological advances eventually caught up with the station's success. The advent of diesel train engines brought the slow demise of the machine shop in Evanston, as more and more services were moved to Green River. In 1927, main operations were moved to Green River and the Evanston station opened as a reclamation plant. Here, rolling train stock and parts were repaired and refurbished for the Union Pacific. The new designation created a new era of success for the station. At its height of production, the plant employed over 300 men, making it the largest employer in Evanston. The roundhouse and its accompanying facilities were crucial to the economic independence of the town's residents.

The success of the reclamation plant was enjoyed for several decades. However, in 1971, the Union Pacific closed the facility for good, due to modern production methods and lower prices for new equipment. The community had developed a strong tie to the railroad. Evanston depended on the railroad not only for jobs or economic stability, but also for its identity. After its final closure, the Union Pacific donated the rail yards to the community, creating the perfect opportunity for the community to preserve the station's legacy. Local businessmen formed a coalition to develop the area. The city of Evanston leased the facility to a number of railway companies while they created a comprehensive plan to preserve the roundhouse and rail yards.

To honor and recognize the significant impact of the roundhouse and the railroad, community members turned their eyes to restoration and preservation. This historic site was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1985. This special designation prompted other city officials to create a plan for the preservation and renovation of the rail yards. In 1998, thanks to Federal funding and the fundraising efforts of the community, cleanup of the facilities began. The goal to preserve the structural and historical integrity of the facility was accomplished through the cooperation and passion of the entire community.

Today, the Evanston Roundhouse and Rail Yards are open to the public. The recently dedicated J.T. & Phyllis Patterson Visitor Center welcomes visitors from across the country. In addition to the restoration of the original roundhouse, community leaders are working to restore the original turntable and other facilities around the plaza. Now, the machine shop is a clean, updated facility that is perfect for hosting events and meetings. And Evanston has a vision for what might follow. In the future, the city plans to move its city hall into the complex. Other ideas include plans to install a renovated dining car and to move the original water tower from Wasatch to the rail yards. Evanston and its visitors will continue to enjoy the rich history of the roundhouse thanks to the innovation of city officials and Evanston's partnership with local, State, and Federal agencies.

The Evanston Roundhouse and Rail Yards is a remarkable part of Wyoming's history. In honor of its 100th anniversary, I invite my colleagues to visit this national treasure. This site is a visible reminder of the important role the railroad played in the growth and development of Evanston. I congratulate the citizens who have worked so hard to preserve the roundhouse. They should be proud to share this historic place with visitors from all over the world.

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