The Iron Horse Arrives in Ellensburg
A town celebrates the completion of the railroad track as the local mood turns jubilant.
The story, cleaned up
A cleaned-up reading of the newspaper page: spelling and layout repaired, one story lifted off a crowded page. It follows the original closely but it is not a transcription. The original page is below; read it if a detail matters.
On Wednesday, March 31st, the end of the track at this place was reached, a short distance above the depot. A large crowd of anxious looking people were on the ground to see the work progressing. The flag on the liberty pole had been floating in the breeze since early dawn. The whole populace had been stirring throughout the day. Every face was lighted with a smile and general good feeling was depicted on every countenance that was not. The bells were brought out, and the drums were unheaded to give expression to the joy that was felt by the entire populace. People hailed the depot on horseback, on foot and in carriages, as the work of track laying was being finished. It was a proud day for Ellensburg, and one long to be remembered.
“The bells were brought out, and the drums were unheaded to give expression to the joy that was felt by the entire populace.”
In 1886, the arrival of the railroad was the singular event that defined a town's future as a trade hub. Today, the expansion of high-speed rail or light rail often triggers similar civic debates and celebrations about regional connectivity and growth.
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