Rail Road
Memorial
It consists of three, engraved black granite slabs, fronted by
red bricks and granite blocks, embedded in the floor,
which are engraved with the names of the workers and
sponsors. Other features memorialize the railroads and
their workers.
City of De Soto Rail Road Memorial
The memorial was erected on property
obtained from Union Pacific Railroad, through the City
of De Soto, on Fountain City Rd., at the north-end
crossing. Histories of the three railroads for which the
De Soto community has provided a home, were incorporated
into the memorial. This location is easily accessible
and provides ample parking.
The design for the memorial evolved
as the committee called upon the skills of local artists
and craftsmen (present and former), who generously
contributed their talents to the project, including,
among others, Ed Boyer, Debbie Boyle, Charles Campbell,
Bill DeClue, Maxine Jinkerson, and Tom Parker.
Tom Parker and his company BRW
Architects, INC, of College Station, Texas, contributed
the memorial's final design and construction plan.
E.A. and Kathy Boyer of E. A. Boyer
Design, Inc., and Matt and Betty Edings constructed the
history/picture wall, which portrays a portion of the
old roundhouse wall. The history has been engraved on
black granite. Historical pictures are displayed on the
opposite side.
The site surrounding the memorial has
become an integral part of the design over time.
Additional features, such as a flag plaza, and others,
have been included in the overall design scheme, and
will be incorporated into the site as time and funds
permit.