The Independence-Monmouth Railroad historic train mural was painted by mural artist Eileen Hinckle and initiated by the Monmouth Historic Commission. The mural portrays the former railroad that once traveled down Jackson Street and connected the communities of Monmouth and Independence.
The Independence-Monmouth Railroad
The Independence-Monmouth Railroad was one of the shortest independent lines in the world. The two and one-half mile run made one stop at the small community of Talmadge, midway between the two cities.
The written description embedded within the mural states, “With this mural, we celebrate the I&M Railroad and our community’s diverse history. We recognize these lands as the traditional homelands of the Luckiamute Band of Kalapuya and we acknowledge the significant contributions that Chinese and Mexican migrant workers made in building the railroad system throughout Oregon and the western United States. We honor their sacrifice and contribution which has often been overlooked.”
The mural also recognizes members of the Kalapuya tribe utilizing another important traditional form of travel via Oregon’s river systems.
The mural was funded by a grant from the Polk County Cultural Coalition and the Monmouth Urban Renewal District and a community ribbon cutting ceremony held in October 2022.
Geocaching Railroad and Trolley History of NW Oregon
A geocache was recently placed near the sight of the Independence & Monmouth Railroad, Disappearing RR Blues: Monmouth-Independence RR and one can seek out abandoned NW Oregon railroad, and trolley right-of-ways or structures by following the Disappearing RR Blues series of caches.
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