Your Opinion: Locomotive delivers memories

Dear Editor:

A unique piece of Jefferson City history was recalled this past weekend by two events: a speech by visiting Pulitzer Prize winning author TJ Stiles in Columbia on Saturday; the arrival of Union Pacific's No. 844 "Living Legend" steam-powered train Monday afternoon.

Just as the crowds of young children, their parents and grandparents were enthralled by a train arriving Monday afternoon, so were throngs of folks when a train pulled into Jefferson City long ago in January 1872. That opulent train was for Russian grand duke Alexis. He and his US military escort, George Armstrong Custer were returning from a plains buffalo hunt, and would be the first house guests at Missouri's brand new Governor's Mansion.

The arrival Monday of the No 844 steam train was memorable - especially for the young kids and their parents who did some "penny smashing" experiments as the train sped past the Cole Junction curve. However, for me It was also a reminder of author TJ Stiles' book "Custer's Trials"and his story telling in Columbia of the great buffalo hunt with the Duke, George Custer, and" Buffalo Bill" Cody. That same Governor's Mansion is a great place to learn more about the Duke and Custer's historic visit.