150 Years of Locomotive Legacy
October 25th was a bright day at Fort Walla Walla Museum, as we saw many of our community members enjoying an admission-free day at the museum, despite the wind and rain. But the reason for this special admission-free day wasn’t chosen at random; it was in celebration of the 150th anniversary of the Walla Walla & Columbia River Railroad. This railroad, running from Wallula into the town of Walla Walla, would become the vehicle of progress that made Walla Walla’s agricultural industry a national and global powerhouse.
We were glad to welcome our Walla Walla community into our grand hall for free food and commemorative items provided by Baker Boyer Bank. Our friends at other community institutions joined us for the event with tables in the Grand Hall with activities, giveaways, and information. Over 150 drawings and coloring pages of the Blue Mountain Locomotive made by local elementary-aged students adorned display panels in the Hall, along with essays and other student projects. While guests wandered out into the exhibit galleries, they were met by Living History reenactors who were milling about and sharing their personal stories about Walla Walla.
Out in the museum’s parade grounds, guests mingled and enjoyed La Monarca food trucks under tents to protect from the day’s admittedly rather dreary weather. Some stayed to enjoy the talents of folksy musicians, while others took their food to the Pioneer Village, seeking other museum activities. Our General Store was open, and guests were invited to come in and explore the cabin through touch, asking the volunteers present different questions. Outside the Store, the “Chugga Chugga Choo Choo” mini train took families on rides around the village, with parents queueing in our Pioneer Village at the Babcock Depot station, waiting to be the next passengers.
At 1 p.m., the official ceremony began. Living History reenactors spoke about their lives as Dr. and Mrs. Baker, and a train conductor who ran the WW&CR railroad. Student essayists were awarded, and thanks were given to everyone who had a hand in the Blue Mountain Locomotive Exhibit’s expansion. After a round of thanks to the people who made this project a reality, guests were invited out into the new exhibit space where Ol’ Blue sat, adorned with a bronze bell, which was rung to finish the ceremony and christen the locomotive’s new cover. Columbia Rail’s CEO, Paul Didelius, commented that this new exhibit will be important for developing young kids’ interests, helping them become passionate about learning.
Guests were also directed to see Columbia Rail’s train stationed on the tracks east of the intersection of Rose Street and Myra Road. There, self-guided tours took guests through two diesel train engines (one being the oldest diesel engine still in operation), the historic “Abraham Lincoln” Pullman business car, and a historic caboose.
The success of this event is in no small part due to the generous sponsorship of Baker Boyer Bank. It was the Baker family’s interest in preserving this piece of history that enabled us to pursue this project, ensuring everyone in our region can connect with Walla Walla’s unique history for years to come.
Thank you for helping us celebrate the 150th anniversary of this incredible achievement and the future preservation of the Blue Mountain Locomotive. It was inspiring to see the interest and excitement that this history elicited in a wide variety of people, including students of all ages. That people across our community, from railroad fans to elected officials, understood the history and relevance of “Ol' Blue” and the Rawhide Railroad testifies to the importance of preserving the locomotive and all investments made and to be made for the new exhibit. This engine continues to provide us with lessons, inspiration, and community even 150 years after it made history.