Historic Union Pacific No. 844 Rolls Thru Benicia

The "Western Heritage Tour," celebrating the 140th anniversary of the driving of the Golden Spike in Ogden, Utah, rolled through Benicia around 10:30 a.m. on April 20, 2009. The train left Cheyenne, WY on Apr. 11 and was scheduled to reach Oakland, its Western-most destination, 9 days later. It departed Roseville this morning and was due in Oakland shortly before noontime.

The historic train, the last steam last steam locomotive built for Union Pacific Railroad, was delivered in 1944. On its commemorative journey, it passed through many cities and towns that witnessed the birth of the railroad.

Several hundred train buffs, history buffs and curious Benicians gathered this morning to watch the historic train pass by this historic California town on its way to Oakland. Benicia's Rick Ernst coordinated the event and set up an impromptu temporary Benicia train station (a tent) to welcome No.844 as it cruised on by. Among the attendees were the mayor and three of the city's four councilmen.

Category:

Travel & Events

Tags:

• Union Pacific
• Benicia
• Historic Railroad

[DanielVolker]

Good Lord look at all the foamers!!!!!!! I barley saw the 844 go by!!!!!!