Identity elements
Reference code
Name and location of repository
Level of description
Item
Title
D81872-4
Date(s)
- 1954-04-21 (Creation)
Extent
Name of creator
Content and structure elements
Scope and content
Five men stand in front of the Milwaukee Road's Engine #E-4, two with stop watches, on April 21, 1954. Also known as the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul & Pacific Railroad, the Milwaukee was noted for its efficient, fast electric locomotives. During World War II, these electrics were due to be eliminated due to obsolescence, however the fact that they were so easily maintained and ran so effortlessly, delayed such action. Diesels finally overpowered the electrics; the last electric train ran in Washington State in November, 1972. The Milwaukee Road provided an economic boost to the Puget Sound area for decades; in 1954, their payroll was 4.5 million dollars and the railroad employed over 1000 people. (History of Pierce County, p. 22, TNT 4-24-54, p. 36))
Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul & Pacific Railroad Co. (Tacoma); Railroads--Tacoma--1950-1960; Railroad locomotives--Tacoma--1950-1960;