Onlookers marvel at old No. 844
June3, 2011
Washington, MO
By Kris Kolk
Many gathered Thursday at train stations around the area in anticipation of getting up close with Union Pacific’s historical steam locomotive, No. 844, known as Living Legend. During the train’s 2,500-mile trek beginning in Cheyenne, Wyoming, stops were made in regional Missouri destinations including: Hermann, Washington, Pacific, Kirkwood and St. Louis.
The train’s arrival was announced by its nostalgic whistle which echoed across the river. The crowd hurriedly flocked en masse from the station to the railroad crossing, where the engine was located.
While in Washington, No. 844 received planned service to the engine. Spectators watched intently, many snapping photos, as the trainmen worked. Conductors were in full uniform, delighting young and old alike.
“The steam locomotive used to run through my grandmother’s farm,” said one Washingtonian man, originally from Peoria, Illinois.
Of course, some in the younger set were a bit intimidated by No. 844’s size and sound while other kids couldn’t get enough of the encounter.
No. 844 visited Washington for about 30 minutes before it gathered steam and chugged off to Pacific, Missouri. The train will be on display in St. Louis on S. Ewing Avenue and Papin Street through 8:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 4. Then, it’s on to Dupo, Illinois.
The tour will conclude back in Cheyenne on July 3. For the complete schedule, visit www.up.com.
Click here to read a previous article.
Copyright 2011 Neighbors About Town