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 Portland's
industrial development was energized by its position as the great
railroad hub of the Pacific Northwest, and for over a century, these
railroads have been integral to our regional economy. Within this great
web of tracks, on the east side of the Willamette River, in the
bustling Brooklyn rail yard lies the last remaining roundhouse in the
state of Oregon. It was originally built for daily steam locomotive
maintenance and is currently home to Portland's three steam
locomotives, the OR&N 197, SP&S 700, and SP 4449.
Once rusting away
behind a chain-link fence at Oaks Park, these
locomotives have resided in the Brooklyn Roundhouse for over 25 years,
thanks to the generousity of the Southern Pacific and Union Pacific
railroads. They are also maintained by dedicated volunteers
who
have restored 700 and 4449 back into operable condition, and progress
is being made on 197.
Public
inaccessibility, a continuing boom in rail freight business, and
the expansion of Union Pacific's intermodal operations at Brooklyn Yard
helped spearhead the formation of Oregon Rail Heritage Foundation. ORHF
and its associated volunteer groups recognized the importance of
finding a new place for the City of Portland's locomotives, to be
housed and maintained.
The challenge is
significant, but with the community's support, we are
confident that a permanent home will be built so these treasures can be
enjoyed by generations to come.
- Fall
Newsletter now online!
- Portland's
locomotives will get new $3.5 million home |
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