Missouri Valley, Iowa, has been awarded membership in Union Pacific's (UP) Train Town USA Registry as part of UP’s ongoing efforts to highlight cities with a historical connection to the railroad. The city received an official Train Town USA resolution signed by UP Executive Chairman Jack Koraleski during a presentation at the Watson Steam Train and Depot Museum. UP launched its Train Town USA Registry as part of the railroad's 150th anniversary celebration in 2012.
"We are proud to recognize Missouri Valley as we celebrate our growing up together," said Kelli O'Brien, Union Pacific's director - Public Affairs for Iowa and Nebraska. "Union Pacific was founded to help connect the nation from east to west. Our shared heritage with Missouri Valley is a source of pride as we remember our past while delivering the goods American businesses and families use every day."
UP’s east/west rail line through Missouri Valley was built in 1867 by the Cedar Rapids and Missouri River Railroad, a predecessor of the Chicago & North Western. The line also was a key link between Chicago and the west. Chicago & North Western was the first railroad to connect with UP at Council Bluffs in 1867, and in 1984, partnered with UP to open a connector line to the coal fields in Wyoming's Powder River Basin—enabling the region to become a major U.S. energy source. The Chicago & North Western and UP merged in 1995.
UP serves nearly 7,300 communities in 23 states, covering 32,000 miles.