[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 74 (Thursday, May 14, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1158]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     HONORING THE MICHIGAN CENTRAL RAILROAD PASSENGER TRAIN STATION

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. MARK H. SCHAUER

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 14, 2009

  Mr. SCHAUER. Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor today the Michigan 
Central Railroad Passenger Train Station in Jackson, Michigan as they 
celebrate the Second Annual National Train Day and the 140th 
Anniversary of the Transcontinental Railroad.
  On May 10, 1869, in Promontory Summit, Utah, the ``golden spike'' was 
driven into the final tie that joined 1,776 miles of the Central 
Pacific and Union Pacific railways, ceremonially creating the nation's 
first transcontinental railroad. These railways provided jobs for 
thousands of Americans. Now, 140 years after the ``golden spike'' 
connected east and west, there's never been a better time to take the 
train.
  In an era of many constant challenges and changes that face our daily 
lives and at a time when we all share the same pressing concerns about 
environment and energy conservation, trains are a more energy-efficient 
mode of travel than either autos or airplanes. The historic Michigan 
Central Railroad Passenger Train Station opened its doors to the public 
on September 1, 1873 and is the nation's oldest train station in 
continuous active use.
  I am proud to join with the Jackson community in honor of this coast-
to-coast celebration of the way trains connect people and places.

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