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Yesterday, Union Pacific Railroad marked its 145th anniversary. On July 1, 1862, President Abraham Lincoln signed into law the Pacific Railroad Act, which created the Union Pacific and Central Pacific Railroads, and chartered the roads to link the country from Omaha, Neb., to Sacramento, Calif.

The largest Class I marked the anniversary by highlighting recent achievements, including a 17 percent reduction in derailments in 2006 and the formation of several partnerships aimed at advancing technology, such as the development of a “next generation” tank car.

“The railroad industry has changed dramatically from the original days of wood-fired locomotives steaming across the plains to connect a nation,” said UP Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Jim Young in a prepared statement. “From our initial focus on moving passengers and limited supplies, we now ship food products, grain, metals, minerals, chemicals, coal, automobiles and parts, as well as truck trailers and marine containers.”