West Chicago, Illinois Awarded Membership in Union Pacific's Train Town USA Registry
West Chicago, Illinois: August 28, 2012 – The Union Pacific Railroad has honored the City of West Chicago with an official designation as a “Train Town, USA” in recognition of its 150th Anniversary and its mutually longstanding relationship.
West Chicago received an official Train Town USA resolution signed by Union Pacific Chairman Jim Young, and West Chicago's historical connection with Union Pacific will be featured at www.up150.com. “We are proud to recognize West Chicago as we commemorate our railroad's sesquicentennial celebration and growing up together,” said Adrian Guerrero, Union Pacific director - Public Affairs for Illinois. “Union Pacific has been part of the country's fabric throughout the railroad's 150-year history. That bond between us and the nearly 7,300 communities we serve continues to strengthen. “Our shared heritage with West Chicago is a source of pride as we remember our past while serving and connecting our nation for years to come.”
West Chicago enjoys its solid history with the railroads. In fact, it holds the distinction as the first Illinois community created by the debut of the railroads. Early records show that a few settlers owned property in the area of present day West Chicago as early as the late 1830s. In 1849 a town began to form when the Galena & Chicago Union Railroad (predecessor of the Chicago & North Western, now the Union Pacific) arrived from Chicago.
That same year the St. Charles Branch Railroad connected St. Charles with the Galena & Chicago Union (G&CU) here, followed by the Aurora Branch line in 1850. These connections formed the first railroad junction in Illinois and gave West Chicago its first name, Junction.
Because of the number of trains passing through town, water and fuel facilities for locomotives and a roundhouse were built here, as well as an early eating-house and hotel for travelers. As a result, a number of new employees and their families located to this community.
Just as the railroads played a major role in shaping West Chicago's history, they are still an important part of the City's economy today. Two rail lines – Union Pacific and Canadian National – run through or near West Chicago. Businesses in the city rely on the rail lines for incoming and outgoing distribution of product.
So significant has the railroad been to West Chicago's history, the City Seal prominently features a train and the City hosts an annual community event which has attracted regional attention, called Railroad Days.
About Union Pacific
It was 150 years ago that Abraham Lincoln signed the Pacific Railway Act of July 1, 1862, creating the original Union Pacific. One of America's iconic companies, today, Union Pacific Railroad is the principal operating company of Union Pacific Corporation (NYSE: UNP), linking 23 states in the western two-thirds of the country by rail and providing freight solutions and logistics expertise to the global supply chain. From 2000 through 2011, Union Pacific spent more than $31 billion on its network and operations, making needed investments in America's infrastructure and enhancing its ability to provide safe, reliable, fuel-efficient and environmentally responsible freight transportation. Union Pacific's diversified business mix includes Agricultural Products, Automotive, Chemicals, Coal, Industrial Products and Intermodal. The railroad serves many of the fastest-growing U.S. population centers and emphasizes excellent customer service. Union Pacific operates competitive routes from all major West Coast and Gulf Coast ports to eastern gateways, connects with Canada's rail systems and is the only railroad serving all six major Mexico gateways.
For a more in-depth view of West Chicago's history, plan a visit to the City Museum, at 132 Main Street in downtown West Chicago; and for a look at other designated train towns in Illinois and across the nation, visit Union Pacific Railroad's special website commemorating its 150th Anniversary at http://up150.com/towns.