The history of the Northern Pacific and Fort Lewis intersect each other over time. The American Lake Line into Fort Lewis is now Burlington Northern Santa Fe. And there has been talk of abandoning the water level main line through Steilacoom.
This area near American Lake played host to massive military maneuvers between the Washington National Guard and the US Army, back in the early 1900’s. Subsequently, 15 square mile Fort Lewis was established in 1917. At one time, Fort Lewis had it’s own shunting railroad known as the “Big Red” railroad.
Joint Base Lewis McChord (JBLM) was formally established as one of 12 joint bases worldwide on October 1, 2010.
Services are provided by civilian staff, serving under Installation Management Command, augmented by Airmen OPCON/ADCON to 627th Air Base Group.
The Deputy Joint Base Commander is also the 627th Air Base Group commander.
The base supports 60,000 family members who live on and outside the base, and nearly 30,000 military retirees living within 50 miles.
Railroad Stuff: Northern Pacific ordered a total of 179 GP-9’s between 1954 and 1958, road numbers 200 through 375. Many were erected without dynamic brakes. Northern Pacific 221, built by Electro Motive Division as a 1,750 hp GP-9. Without dynamic brakes. Build date June 1955, serial number 20308. Wrecked at Lincoln Nebraska and declared a constructive loss in October 1983.
