As many people saw (or heard), the Union Pacific’s “Living Legend” 844 steam engine barreled into downtown Green River town once again last Wednesday. Although the 844 has made many appearances in Green River over the years, it always draws a crowd. If you didn’t get a good look at it while it overnighted in Rock Springs or stopped in Green River, you’ll have a chance to see it on its return trip Thursday at approximately 1:30 p.m.
Even if you missed seeing it, chances are you heard its famously resounding horn as it announced its arrival. If you’re lucky enough to have a view of the entire valley, then you could easily imagine yourself living in an earlier time watching the large plumes of steam leave a trail along the U.P. main line.
I grew up in a railroad family and vividly remember making the excursion downtown each time the 8444 (as it was then known) rolled in. The Green River railyards are famous amongst railroad enthusiasts and the U.P. was for many years the largest employer in town. Any event the U.P. hosted, especially if the historic 8444 was in involved, was sure to crowd the tracks with spectators. The crowds that the 844 drew at Point of Rocks, Rock Springs, Green River, and Granger on last week’s trip prove that people’s fascination with the railroad has not dwindled. I stood out in the freezing rain for over an hour in Rock Springs waiting for the 844 to arrive (it was delayed due some track issues). And I wasn’t alone. Dozens of other people sought shelter under the eaves of the depot for their chance to see it arrive. Many, like me, had already seen it many times over the years, but that’s why we knew it was worth the wait.
The U.P. Steam heritage program boasts one of the most impressively preserved historic fleets, including a Big Boy that is currently being restored and will be travel ready soon (you can track its progress on their Facebook and Twitter pages). According to their website, “the preservation of its fleet speaks to the high value Union Pacific places on its heritage and its role in America’s history.” Green River was a major switching station along the U.P. main line and most other towns in Sweetwater County owe their existence to U.P. or the U.P. Coal Company. We love seeing the 844 because we know it is a symbol of our heritage. Plus, trains are just cool!
As we waited by the tracks, my cousin’s two-year-old daughter excitedly inquired several times about the 844’s arrival, only to be scared to tears by the unexpected volume of its horn.
She quickly recovered, though, and enthusiastically began mimicking the “choo-choo” again before heading for home. These are the memories that tie communities together. I remember visiting the 844 when I wasn’t much older than she is now.
Her parents will take her to see it every time it comes to town, making it a standing family tradition that she will remember as she grows up. In a way, it links her to not just the significant railroad history of her hometown but also to the great-grandfather she doesn’t even yet know was once yardmaster of our famous Green River railyards.
Maybe someday she’ll take her own children to see the Living Legend and continue to celebrate that link to both family and community heritage.
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