[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 99 (Thursday, June 28, 2012)]
[Senate]
[Pages S4719-S4720]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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             RECOGNIZING EVANSTON ROUNDHOUSE AND RAIL YARDS

 Mr. BARRASSO. Mr. President, today I wish to recognize the 
100th anniversary of the Evanston Roundhouse and Rail Yards. This 
impressive site, which is listed on the National Register of Historic 
Places, is a lasting landmark and a national treasure.
  Evanston is truly a special place, and the railroad has had a huge 
impact on its history. In fact, Evanston would not exist today had it 
not been for the railroad. Like the rest of the area, a large part of 
Wyoming's development depended on migrants coming from the East. Some 
traveled on famous emigrant trails like the Oregon and California 
Trails. But many followed the train tracks as the transcontinental 
railroad forged a new path across the West. The transcontinental 
railroad had particular importance in Wyoming's development. Steam 
engines needed water-refilling stations, and these stations quickly 
became hubs of commerce in the State. Evanston was the Union Pacific's 
last stop in Wyoming, and its settlement depended on the railroad.
  In 1868, tracks finally reached Evanston, and a town of tents cropped 
up around the station. This prosperity was only short-lived because the 
managers soon ordered the station to be moved 12 miles west to Wasatch. 
Because of the transfer, the town's population disappeared virtually 
overnight. Evanston was in danger of becoming another ``end of the 
line'' town. Fortunately, the station moved back to Evanston later that 
summer--and it stayed there. The railroad provided a stable job base 
and nearby coal mines encouraged the settlement of the town. Just as 
the railroad depended on its workers, the town depended on the trains.
  Evanston enjoyed great success as a water-filling station. The 
increased production and prosperity of the Union Pacific warranted new 
facilities to accommodate its increased traffic. In 1871, a new 
roundhouse and a shop complex were constructed. The station was 
designated as the major Union Pacific maintenance facility between 
Green River, WY, and Ogden, UT. In the next 30 years, the station 
prospered and the town of Evanston expanded. In 1912, the Union Pacific 
approved additional upgrades. The construction included a new 
roundhouse, a state-of-the-art turntable, and electricity for the other 
buildings in the complex.
  Many technological advances eventually caught up with the station's 
success. The advent of diesel train engines brought the slow demise of 
the machine shop in Evanston, as more and more services were moved to 
Green River. In 1927, main operations were moved to Green River and the 
Evanston station opened as a reclamation plant. Here, rolling train 
stock and parts were repaired and refurbished for the Union Pacific. 
The new designation created a new era of success for the station. At 
its height of production, the plant employed over 300 men, making it 
the largest employer in Evanston. The roundhouse and its accompanying 
facilities were crucial to the economic independence of the town's 
residents.
  The success of the reclamation plant was enjoyed for several decades. 
However, in 1971, the Union Pacific closed the facility for good, due 
to modern production methods and lower prices for new equipment. The 
community had developed a strong tie to the railroad. Evanston depended 
on the railroad not only for jobs or economic stability, but also for 
its identity. After

[[Page S4720]]

its final closure, the Union Pacific donated the rail yards to the 
community, creating the perfect opportunity for the community to 
preserve the station's legacy. Local businessmen formed a coalition to 
develop the area. The city of Evanston leased the facility to a number 
of railway companies while they created a comprehensive plan to 
preserve the roundhouse and rail yards.
  To honor and recognize the significant impact of the roundhouse and 
the railroad, community members turned their eyes to restoration and 
preservation. This historic site was listed on the National Register of 
Historic Places in 1985. This special designation prompted other city 
officials to create a plan for the preservation and renovation of the 
rail yards. In 1998, thanks to Federal funding and the fundraising 
efforts of the community, cleanup of the facilities began. The goal to 
preserve the structural and historical integrity of the facility was 
accomplished through the cooperation and passion of the entire 
community.
  Today, the Evanston Roundhouse and Rail Yards are open to the public. 
The recently dedicated J.T. & Phyllis Patterson Visitor Center welcomes 
visitors from across the country. In addition to the restoration of the 
original roundhouse, community leaders are working to restore the 
original turntable and other facilities around the plaza. Now, the 
machine shop is a clean, updated facility that is perfect for hosting 
events and meetings. And Evanston has a vision for what might follow. 
In the future, the city plans to move its city hall into the complex. 
Other ideas include plans to install a renovated dining car and to move 
the original water tower from Wasatch to the rail yards. Evanston and 
its visitors will continue to enjoy the rich history of the roundhouse 
thanks to the innovation of city officials and Evanston's partnership 
with local, State, and Federal agencies.
  The Evanston Roundhouse and Rail Yards is a remarkable part of 
Wyoming's history. In honor of its 100th anniversary, I invite my 
colleagues to visit this national treasure. This site is a visible 
reminder of the important role the railroad played in the growth and 
development of Evanston. I congratulate the citizens who have worked so 
hard to preserve the roundhouse. They should be proud to share this 
historic place with visitors from all over the world.

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