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Historic Steam Train Eyes Freight Revival
19 Jul
Summary
- A 104-year-old steam engine may resume commercial freight service.
- A $28 million federal grant is sought for track restoration and repairs.
- The train has a complex history involving logging, immigrants, and internment.
The historic Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad, operating a 104-year-old steam engine named Polson No. 70, is pursuing a $28 million federal grant to revive commercial freight services. This initiative aims to restore the Tacoma Eastern Railway, which has been largely non-operational for decades, to its former capacity of hauling lumber. The nonprofit behind the railroad plans to reinvest any profits from freight back into its operations and museum.
A significant portion of the grant, $10 million, is earmarked for repairing a trestle in Lewis County that was destroyed by arson last year. The nonprofit expects to hear about the grant's approval this fall. If successful, the project will not only revitalize freight traffic but also extend the scenic tourist train service.
The railway's history is deeply connected to the region's logging industry and the diverse immigrant labor that built it. Early operations saw significant contributions from Japanese laborers, whose community in Elbe, known as "Japan Town," was dismantled following Executive Order 9066, with residents sent to internment camps. The nonprofit is working to preserve this complex history while moving forward with its revitalization plans.
