Wednesday in Wyoming -- September 14, 2016

If you read last week's blog, you know that Cheyenne was founded when the Union Pacific was part of the  race to complete the transcontinental railroad following the Civil War.  Even today, more than 150 years later, the UP is an important part of the city.

Two of Cheyenne's major parks feature UP locomotives.  This one, #1242, is located in Lions Park near the Cheyenne Botanic Gardens.  Nicknamed Old Sadie, #1242 is the oldest coal burning steam locomotive in the state.  Are you impressed?  I was.

Old Sadie was in active use until 1954.  After her retirement, the UP donated her to Cheyenne, and she's been a tourist attraction ever since.  See what I mean about the UP's role in the capitol city?

If you're ever in Cheyenne, I encourage you to visit both Old Sadie and the Botanic Gardens.