Riverview in Omaha in Douglas County, Nebraska — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

Legends of Union Pacific

December 26, 2024

1. Legends of Union Pacific Marker

Inscription. At the top of this hill stand two of the largest locomotives ever built. The "Big Boy" steam locomotive and "Centennial" diesel locomotive were brought here to honor one of Union Pacific's greatest leaders, John C. Kenefick. Kenefick served as the railroad's senior officer from 1970 until 1986. During that time he brought a new era to Union Pacific, ushering in federal deregulation of the rail industry, computerization and modernization of rail operations, and mergers that more than doubled the size of Union Pacific.

Kenefick set the railroad on a path of corporate citizenship that continues to benefit the city of Omaha and the thousands of communities Union Pacific serves.

Big Boy and Centennial, 230 feet of locomotive with a combined weight of nearly two million pounds, frame a spectacular overlook of the Missouri River Valley. The park serves as tribute to a man whose leadership, integrity and generosity moved a railroad into the 21st century and helped shape the vibrant city that Omaha is today.

Erected by Union Pacific.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Railroads & Streetcars. A significant historical year for this entry is 1970.

Location. 41° 13.985′ N,

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95° 55.028′ W. Marker is in Omaha, Nebraska, in Douglas County. It is in Riverview. It can be reached from Bancroft Street ¼ mile east of Bancroft Plaza. Located at the grand staircase to Kenefick Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 100 Bancroft St, Omaha NE 68108, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Eastern Nebraska. It is also in the American Midwest,

in the Lewis & Clark Corridor,

in the Corn Belt,

and on the prairies.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Louisiana Purchase.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: History of Union Pacific and Omaha (within shouting distance of this marker); Kenefick Park Canyon Wall (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); A New World of Plants (about 400 feet away); Union Pacific Railroad (about 400 feet away); Kenefick Park (about 400 feet away); The Big Boy (about 400 feet away); The Centennial (about 400 feet away); Western Historic Trails Center; Starting the Journey

December 26, 2024

2. Legends of Union Pacific Marker

(approx. one mile away in Iowa). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Omaha.

Also see . . . John C. Kenefick | National Railroad Hall of Fame. (Submitted on January 15, 2025.)

"Big Boy" in Kenefick Park image. Click for full size.

December 26, 2024

3. "Big Boy" in Kenefick Park

"Centennial" in Kenefick Park image. Click for full size.

December 26, 2024

4. "Centennial" in Kenefick Park

Credits. This page was last revised on January 15, 2025. It was originally submitted on January 15, 2025. This page has been viewed 184 times since then and 47 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on January 15, 2025.