Uncovering Community Stories from Railroad History

Railroads established most of the early communities in the western United States. Towns developed around the railroad stations and some grew into cities.

Railroads kept extensive records documenting many aspects of the towns they served and today this information provides snapshots of the region’s evolution from the 1880s to the present. In many cases, the railroads and communities evolved together thus forming the culture of the western United States.

To be a successful historian, access to railroad records can expose new dimensions to community history and the human experience. This presentation will get you started on locating the railroad history you are seeking.

Presented by Pacific Northwest Railroad Archive in Burien, WA.