[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 49 (Wednesday, April 26, 2000)]
[Senate]
[Pages S2934-S2935]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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  IN RECOGNITION OF THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE LEGEND OF CASEY JONES

 Mr. THOMPSON. Mr. President, I rise today to acknowledge the 
historical significance of April 30th to the State of Tennessee and the 
Nation. Casey Jones, a legendary Tennessee railroad engineer, made 
history when his engine collided with another train on April 30, 1900. 
Casey's infamous ride and his selfless actions to save the lives of 
innocent bystanders have been lauded in folk music and drama throughout 
the past century. It is in his memory and the spirit of his efforts 
that I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Casey Jones' bravery 
and heroism.
  Americans have been fascinated by the life of Casey Jones not merely 
for his heroism but also for his personification of the American dream. 
Casey's legendary life is a universal tale, and one that was guided by 
the foundations of this great nation: diligence, perseverance, 
determination, and sacrifice. Casey began as a cub operator for the 
railroads, then worked as a fireman, and eventually became an engineer 
in 1891, an accomplishment that was rarely seen in those days. He moved 
his family anywhere he could find employment, but he never neglected 
his role as a caring father and devoted husband.

[[Page S2935]]

Casey had a reputation as a trusted and capable engineer, and he soon 
found himself in charge of regularly scheduled passenger trains.
  On the night of April 29, 1900, Casey departed Memphis aboard Engine 
382 with six passenger cars one hour and thirty-five minutes late. 
Protocol demanded that engineers make their arrival time regardless of 
the tardiness of their departure. Casey was renowned throughout the 
region for his ability to make time, and he was doing an excellent job 
until he arrived at Vaughn Station, only eleven miles from his final 
destination. While attempting to maintain his scheduled arrival, Casey 
missed a flag signal warning that a freight train was still on the 
tracks ahead of him. Casey's engine collided with the caboose, but 
instead of abandoning his engine as instructed, he stayed behind in the 
hope that the lives of his passengers could be saved. Due to Casey's 
heroic attempts to stop and slow the train, none of Casey's passengers 
were injured and he was the only one killed in the crash.
  Throughout this year, Casey Jones' hometown of Jackson, Tennessee, 
will celebrate the centennial of his gallant ride and recognize his 
contributions to American history. The events will culminate on the 
anniversary of the crash with a celebration sponsored by the Casey 
Jones Village, the Casey Jones Home and Railroad Museum, and the City 
of Jackson. I encourage everyone to take part in these events and 
remember the legacy of Casey Jones--an American folk hero.

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