In April 1995, the Chicago & North Western Railway was absorbed by the Union Pacific Railroad, thus ending a 147-year-old Midwestern railroading tradition. Within days after the C&NW surrendered it's independence, its identity and images so long associated with it began to disappear. The C&NW "Ball an Bar" heraldry and its yellow and green colors were soon smothered by the armour yellow and gray of the UP. The C&NW trademark first-generation diesel locomotives were quickly retired. Operations at the huge Chicago Proviso yard, once the largest freight yard in the country, were scaled back, as its signifigance had been diminished by that of the UP's massive North Platte Nebraska facility. Certain branch lines and remote operations, which had become redundant, were put up for sale, while buildings and various land marks were scheduled for closure and, in some cases, demolition.
Frank W Jordan
Chicago & North Western 1975-1995
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