1885 Salem Train Wreck

The first week of the New Year on January 5th in 1885 there was a train wreck just south of the first Salem Train Depot as it was crossing the wooden bridge over south Mill Creek during a snow storm. While the steam engine made it over the bridge, the passenger coaches derailed and tipped on their side. There is still evidence today of our connection to the steam engine. In 2016, ODOT found evidence of the foundation for the water tower- which provided water to run these engines.

To see photos of the Salem 1885 steam engine derailment please visit Salem’s Oregon Historic Photo Collection site here.