DESIGN & LOCATION
A memorial built with purpose and accessibility
The De Soto Railroad Employees’ Memorial is located on Fountain City Road at the north-end crossing. Designed to reflect the community’s deep connection to the railroad, the site brings together history, craftsmanship, and meaningful tributes in one accessible location.
A collaboration of craftsmanship, history, and community
A Community-Driven Design
The design of the memorial evolved through the collaboration of local artists, craftsmen, and community members who generously contributed their time and talents. Contributors included Ed Boyer, Debbie Boyle, Charles Campbell, Bill DeClue, Maxine Jinkerson, and Tom Parker, among others.
The final design and construction plan were completed by Tom Parker and his company, BRW Architects, Inc., bringing the vision of the memorial to life.
The History Wall
The history and picture wall reflects a portion of the original roundhouse, connecting the memorial to its roots. It was constructed by E.A. and Cathy Boyer of E.A. Boyer Design, Inc., along with Matt and Betty Eddings.
Historical milestones were compiled by Gwen Lewis, with narrative contributions from Debbie Wilson and Gwen Lewis. The history has been engraved on black granite, while historical photographs are displayed on the opposite side.
Flag Plaza and Historic Elements
The site includes a Flag Plaza featuring the United States, Missouri, and Union Pacific flags. A historic granite boulder commemorating the first train to stop in De Soto in 1857 has also been incorporated into the memorial.
Originally located at the north end of the railroad depot, the boulder was donated by the American Legion and has been adapted to support a crossbuck with lights. Materials used for the plaza were donated by Union Pacific Railroad and workers from the De Soto Car Shops.
Memorial Features
The memorial includes several features that represent the daily work and life of railroad employees. These elements serve as lasting symbols of the industry and the people who supported it.
Key features include a caboose similar to those once built at the De Soto shop, a six-foot statue of a railroad worker carrying a lunch box, and a handcar used by workers to travel along and repair the tracks.