BNSF News

BNSF Helps Oklahoma Celebrate Centennial

2007-11-19

BNSF played a special role in helping Oklahoma celebrate 100 years of statehood by hosting the state’s Gov. Brad Henry and more than 400 lawmakers and dignitaries on a special business car train last week.

Called the Centennial Express, the train whisked lawmakers from Oklahoma City to Guthrie, home of Oklahoma’s first state capitol, for a ceremonial session there, marking 100 years since the first State Legislative Convention.

"I can’t think of a better way to get to Guthrie for the Centennial Legislative session than by train," Henry said upon arrival. "The railroads crisscrossing Oklahoma were vital to the economic growth of our state, and the Centennial Train ride is a great opportunity to explore this part of Oklahoma’s past."

BNSF Chairman, President and CEO Matt Rose was on board, along with a number of other special guests, including members of the Centennial Commission, state legislators and representatives of the Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT), BNSF and Amtrak. Guests enjoyed the ride in the 10 vintage railcars provided by BNSF for the 45-minute trip.  

"The BNSF Centennial Express pays tribute to Oklahoma’s rich history and the role the railroad played in developing the state," said Andrew Johnsen, assistant vice president, State Government Affairs. "This train trip was our way of saying thank you to the state, its leaders and the people who make Oklahoma special."

Oklahoma and BNSF share a long history starting with the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railway (ATSF) and the St. Louis-San Francisco Railway Co., commonly known as the Frisco. Both railroads shared Oklahoma’s pioneering spirit and ultimately helped Oklahoma grow to become the great state it is today.

ATSF’s history in Oklahoma began in 1887 when the railway was expanded from Arkansas City south through Indian Territory (Oklahoma). ATSF is credited with helping to introduce hard red winter wheat to Oklahoma, promoting the art and culture of Oklahoma and Native Americans by creating a romantic vision of the region and encouraging travel to the area.

The Frisco’s history in Oklahoma dates to the 1880s and 1890s when it built a line from Vinita to Lawton passing through Oklahoma City. One of the Frisco’s most famous employees was Gene Autry, whose first job was with the Frisco. Autry teamed up with fellow railroader Jimmy Long to write "That Silver-Haired Daddy of Mine," the first record ever certified gold for selling more than 1 million copies.

Centennial events in Guthrie last week included a legislative luncheon, the Ceremonial Legislative Session at the Scottish Rite Temple and a Native American Sunset Ceremony.

The day’s events were in coordination with the Guthrie Centennial Committee, City of Guthrie, Oklahoma Centennial Commission, ODOT, BNSF, the Oklahoma Railroad Association, Amtrak Heartland Flyer Coalition and the Oklahoma Legislature. The Guthrie Lions Club served as "official hosts" for state legislators and dignitaries.

Pictured (from left): Oklahoma Governor Brad Henry, BNSF chairman, president and CEO Matt Rose, and Oklahoma Senator Pro-Tempore Mike Morgan.

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