Rediscovering Relics in Forgotten Railroad Turntable Locations

Introduction

Railroad turntables, essential components in the early days of rail transportation, allowed locomotives to change direction at terminal points and maintenance locations. Despite their historical significance, many turntables have been left to decay, often forgotten in rail yards and maintenance depots. This article seeks to explore these relics, highlighting their importance in railroad history and identifying current efforts towards their preservation and rediscovery.

Historical Context of Railroad Turntables

Railroad turntables date back to the mid-19th century, coinciding with the rapid expansion of the railway network in the United States. According to the National Railroad Historical Society, the first documented turntable was built in 1830 in England. Soon after, American railroads adopted this technology for efficient train operations.

Turntables typically range from 50 to 100 feet in diameter and operate on a pivot system, allowing locomotives to rotate 180 degrees. They were highly valuable at major rail yards and terminals, such as:

• Chicago Union Station (opened in 1925)
• Denvers Union Station (opened in 1881)
• San Franciscos Southern Pacific Terminal (operational since 1876)

The Decline of Railroad Turntables

By the latter half of the 20th century, the decline of steam locomotives and the shift towards diesel engines diminished the need for turntables. A 2015 report by the Association of American Railroads indicated that steam locomotive usage had decreased by over 95% since the mid-20th century. As a result, many turntables fell into disrepair, ignored in the wake of technological advancement.

Examples of Abandoned Turntables

Several notable turntables were abandoned, often left surrounded by weeds and infrastructure remnants:

• Marquette, Michigan: The original Marquette and Western Railway turntable, built in the late 1800s, has largely collapsed.
• Wilmington, Delaware: Once integral to the Pennsylvania Railroad, the turntable is now covered by a layer of vegetation, barely visible from the street.

Efforts Toward Rediscovery and Preservation

In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in preserving turntables as historical artifacts. Organizations such as the National Preservation Society and local historical societies are leading these initiatives.

Case Studies of Restoration

Several successful restoration projects have highlighted the cultural significance of these turntables:

• Durango, Colorado: The turntable at the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad was fully restored in 1992 and is operational, serving both tourist trains and as an educational site.
• Steamtown National Historic Site: Located in Scranton, Pennsylvania, this site features an operational turntable that showcases the locomotives from the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Conclusion

Rediscovering and preserving railroad turntables symbolizes a broader effort to honor the heritage of rail travel. e structures remind us of the profound impact railroads had on industrial growth and mobility in the United States. As advocacy for revitalizing these sites continues, communities are encouraged to engage with local historical societies to support preservation initiatives.

Actionable Takeaways

For historians and enthusiasts interested in railroad history, here are some actionable steps:

• Engage with local historical societies to learn about preservation efforts in your region.
• Visit restored turntable sites to gain insights into their historical significance and operational mechanics.
• Document and share your findings on abandoned turntable sites to promote awareness and encourage community interest in preservation.