| Evanston Roundhouse "Evanstons Roundhouse & Railyards was built in 1912-1914 by the Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR). The 27-acre complex was used to primarily service and repair cars and engines. The semi-circular Roundhouse is one of the very few completely intact and still standing structures of its kind, and the only one left on the UPRR line between Omaha and Sacramento. Its walls stand a remarkable 80 ft. high, and has a total of 28 stalls accessible by an impressive metal turntable, which is still operational! The facility operated by placing a railcar or engine on the turntable and then pushing it into one of the bays where it was repaired. For many years, it was a major hub of employment in the community. In the mid-1920s, locomotives began to have the ability to travel further distances without repair or refueling and the UPRR decided to close the site; however, the citizens of Evanston rallied and beseeched them to remain open as a reclamation plant. The site operated as such until 1971 and the following year, UPRR deeded the property - with the exception of one building (the Power House (BnC Note: not in this picture frame) - to the City of Evanston. The City leased the complex to several rail car repair companies until 1998 when the last tenant vacated the site. The entire site is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. For more information or to make a donation, please contact the Evanston Urban Renewal Agency at 307-783-6320 or 307-783-6300 or visit City Hall at 1200 Main St. (82930) or http://roundhouserestoration.net" (Sorry - but figured Id include the entire exact text of the information sign located on this great site for those interested, but not yet able to visit. |