Why Wolverhampton should be twinned with Omaha in Nebraska

 
 

I sometimes look at historical happenings and I wish I could be a witness at some of these moments that have taken place in the past.

Take for example transport history. Let's imagine that we are back in the 1950's and we are about to board a train on Chicago's Union station for San Francisco. This is a journey of 2127.4 miles and the train is called the City of San Francisco. Now that is what you call a train station.

Could you imagine the excitement as one boarded this fantastic train that was set to travel across all types of country from desert to lush green fields connecting the west coast to the east coast and all the different cultures between. The restaurant car service on the City of San Francisco train was well renowned and even the windows of this train were specially tinted by Polaroid to filter glare which would have been appreciated on the desert section.

The Union Pacific railway had been the responsibility for this impeccable train and it travelled over the rails of three different railroads from Chicago to San Francisco.

The journey took 39 hours 45 minutes each way, upon its introduction in 1936 and (it last ran in May 1971).

The journey west from Chicago was as follows:

  • Chicago and Union station

  • Council Bluffs

  • Omaha

  • Julesburg

  • Cheyenne

  • Green River

  • Ogden

  • Oakland 16th St

  • Oakland Pier

  • Then San Francisco Bay Ferry (across the waterfall)

  • San Francisco

Omaha is 467 miles west of Chicago and 1664 miles from San Francisco.

It is a city known as the gateway to the west with a population today of 468,262.

Today Omaha is a pinch yourself is it true sort of city due to the so many positives that exist within it.

Omaha:

  • Is the 40th largest City in them USA.

  • Motto: Fortiter in Re

  • (Courageously in every enterprise).

  • Home to four Fortune 500 companies and they are:

  • Berkshire Hathaway

  • Kiewit Corporation

  • Mutual of Omaha

  • Union Pacific Corporation.

  • Omaha is home to five fortune 1000 headquarters and they are:

  • Green Plains Renewable Energy

  • TD Ameritrade

  • VAlmost Industries

  • Werner Enterprises

  • West Corporation

The enterprise list continues with innovation as diverse as technology and the food industry.

Sport and culture also play a major part in the day to day life of Omaha.

You see Wolverhampton is no stranger to enterprise and innovation and come to think of it railway enterprise and heritage.

The list of past and present entrepreneurial success is rich and long.

The industrial revolution which started on Wolverhampton's doorstep had a major impact on Wolverhampton's prosperity due to the nearby access to coal and iron ore.

The industrial revolution made today's technology revolution look like a party in the park with regards to global impact.

I would very much enjoy Wolverhampton being twinned with Omaha Nebraska.

I believe on many levels that much good could be created from this relationship.

John SmithersCristina Schek