Traveling Through Nebraska: North Platte Union Pacific Railroad
Located in the heart of Nebraska, the North Platte Union Pacific Railroad is a significant historical landmark that showcases the state's rich railroad heritage. As the Union Pacific Railroad's major classification yard, the North Platte yard has been the largest such facility in the world, covering approximately 2,800 acres of land. Situated in the city of North Platte, Nebraska, this massive yard serves as a dividing point between the Union Pacific Railroad's eastern and western regions, playing a crucial role in the movement of freight across the United States.
In 1866, the Union Pacific Railroad reached North Platte, and by 1883, the city had emerged as a vital division point for the railroad, featuring a major roundhouse, railroad shops, and a hospital for railroad employees. At its peak, the North Platte yard employed over 6,000 workers, making it one of the largest employers in the state. The massive yard also boasts 14 receiving and departure tracks, along with over 400 miles of tracks used for sorting, storing, and repairing trains.
The North Platte Union Pacific Railroad yard was also famous for a unique custom that made it an endearing destination for railroad buffs: the 'Living Legend' No. 844, a steam locomotive from the 1940s, was historically serviced and restored at this yard. Although the steam locomotive was transferred to the Union Pacific Railroad's Heritage Fleet and relocated to another facility, it remains an integral part of the North Platte yard's history.
One notable example of the North Platte yard's significance in the national railroad scene can be seen in the events leading up to World War II. In 1942, the United States Treasury held a massive War Bond drive in North Platte, Nebraska, in which $10 million worth of War Bonds were sold during a single event. This exceptional event proved that the North Platte Union Pacific Railroad yard was an essential hub for communication and networking in the American railroad system.
Additionally, the North Platte Union Pacific Railroad is closely tied with the adjacent 'Bailey Yard,' a critical division point where the Portland and the Kansas Pacific divisions meet. Situated within close proximity to each other, these railroad yards have shaped the social, cultural, and economic landscape of North Platte, Nebraska.
Today, the North Platte Union Pacific Railroad remains an essential part of Nebraska's transportation network and an attractive point of interest for railroad enthusiasts. Despite the industry's transition to diesel locomotives and increased automation, this historically significant site has retained its charm and allows visitors a chance to appreciate the importance of the American railroad system.
North Platte's railroad legacy continues to captivate tourists, researchers, and locals alike. From the Union Pacific Railroad's National Museum in nearby Cheyenne, Wyoming, to the adjacent state historical markers in the Platte Valley vicinity, this remarkable railroad continues to stimulate curiosity among scholars and enthusiasts.
Historically integral to the growth of nearby Nebraska towns and critical to the railroad network, the North Platte Union Pacific Railroad makes an excellent destination for the history-conscious traveler.
In 1866, the Union Pacific Railroad reached North Platte, and by 1883, the city had emerged as a vital division point for the railroad, featuring a major roundhouse, railroad shops, and a hospital for railroad employees. At its peak, the North Platte yard employed over 6,000 workers, making it one of the largest employers in the state. The massive yard also boasts 14 receiving and departure tracks, along with over 400 miles of tracks used for sorting, storing, and repairing trains.
The North Platte Union Pacific Railroad yard was also famous for a unique custom that made it an endearing destination for railroad buffs: the 'Living Legend' No. 844, a steam locomotive from the 1940s, was historically serviced and restored at this yard. Although the steam locomotive was transferred to the Union Pacific Railroad's Heritage Fleet and relocated to another facility, it remains an integral part of the North Platte yard's history.
One notable example of the North Platte yard's significance in the national railroad scene can be seen in the events leading up to World War II. In 1942, the United States Treasury held a massive War Bond drive in North Platte, Nebraska, in which $10 million worth of War Bonds were sold during a single event. This exceptional event proved that the North Platte Union Pacific Railroad yard was an essential hub for communication and networking in the American railroad system.
Additionally, the North Platte Union Pacific Railroad is closely tied with the adjacent 'Bailey Yard,' a critical division point where the Portland and the Kansas Pacific divisions meet. Situated within close proximity to each other, these railroad yards have shaped the social, cultural, and economic landscape of North Platte, Nebraska.
Today, the North Platte Union Pacific Railroad remains an essential part of Nebraska's transportation network and an attractive point of interest for railroad enthusiasts. Despite the industry's transition to diesel locomotives and increased automation, this historically significant site has retained its charm and allows visitors a chance to appreciate the importance of the American railroad system.
North Platte's railroad legacy continues to captivate tourists, researchers, and locals alike. From the Union Pacific Railroad's National Museum in nearby Cheyenne, Wyoming, to the adjacent state historical markers in the Platte Valley vicinity, this remarkable railroad continues to stimulate curiosity among scholars and enthusiasts.
Historically integral to the growth of nearby Nebraska towns and critical to the railroad network, the North Platte Union Pacific Railroad makes an excellent destination for the history-conscious traveler.
