 |
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| The Union Pacific Depot and Hotel, built in 1869, burned
to the ground on November 17, 1915. |
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| The Union Pacific Depot and Hotel at Front and Dewey
had many famous visitors, including William F. Cody (Buffalo Bill),
the Grand Duke Alexis of Russia, George A. Custer, Generals Sheridan
and Sherman, bat Materson, and Teddy Rossevelt. This depot and hotel
opened in December of 1869, and was destroyed by fire on November
17, 1915. |
|
| Editors Note:
The following excerpt and pictures
are from "Images of America: North Platte - City Between Two
Rivers" and are used with permission of author Jim Beckius of
North Platte. |
|
| 
|
"Images of America -
North Platte -
City Between Two Rivers"
by Jim Beckius |
| Published by America's leading
publisher of local and regional
history - Arcadia Publishing
Order today - Only $19.95
Available online at:
Barnes
and Noble
Amazon
Arcadia
Publishing
Available at these locations in
North Platte, NE
A-Z Books • The Hay Loft
Steele's Antique Depot
Walden Books
Fort Cody Trading Post
The Espresso Shop
Wood 'N Doll • Red Roof Antiques
Or Contact Arcadia Publishing at:
sales@arcadiapublishing.com
TollFree 888-313-2665 |
| |
|
|
| Jim Beckius lives in North Platte and has published
a book, "Images of America – North Platte – City
Between Two Rivers." |
|
|
History
of North Platte
UPRRs first depot
In the spring of 1869, the Union Pacific Railroad began laying track
from North Platte west toward the meeting point with the Central Pacific
Railroad at Promentory Point in Utah.
After UPRR workers left the area, the population of North Platte dropped
to just a few hundred people, mostly storekeepers, saloon owners and a few
UPRR employees that would build the round house, shops and other repair
facilities.
In 1869, UPRR also opened a new depot, hotel and dining room on the north
side of what is now the corner of Front and Dewey (Spruce) streets. It was
a large building where many of the famous and infamous were entertained.
Among the depot's visitors were Gens. Carr, Sheridan and Sherman, Lt. Col.
George A. Custer, William "Buffalo Bill" Cody and the Grand Duke
Alexis of Russia, who had come to Nebraska for a buffalo hunt in 1872.
James Butler "Wild Bill" Hickok, John Baker "Texas Jack"
Omohundro and William Barclay "Bat" Masterson also spent time
at the depot. Hickok was shot and killed Aug. 2, 1876, at Deadwood, S.D.,
Omohundro died June 28, 1880, at Leadville, Colo., and Masterson died Nov.
26, 1921, in New York.
Teddy Roosevelt was also a guest of the hotel, as were many of the oldest
pioneers of the North Platte area.
The depot and hotel served the railroad for many years, but one day tragedy
struck.
On the afternoon of Nov. 17, 1915, a wisp of smoke was seen coming out of
the northeast corner of the hotel. The fire department was called, but due
to a strong north wind the old building was engulfed in flames in a matter
of minutes. Although all the patrons and workers escaped, the building burned
to the ground.
In 1917, UPRR opened a new brick depot on Front and Bailey (Pine) streets.
The center of the building stood two stories high and housed the lobby,
ticket office, newsstand and restrooms. The second floor had several offices
including those for the dispatchers, PBX operator, trainmaster and roadmaster.
There was also a conductor's room on the north side of the building for
the crews that worked the passenger trains.
The east end of the building was one level and housed the Railway Express.
The west end was also one level and served as the dining room. Although
the dining room closed in the mid-1930s, I can remember having a meal there.
In 1941, UPRR President Bill Jeffers donated the old dining room to the
North Platte Canteen. It would later become famous during World War II.
The building was demolished in 1972. In 1973, all the buildings between
Front and East Sixth streets and from Jeffers to Bailey were torn down.
So much for progress. |
NPTHoliday 2003 Issue
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