HARRIMAN, Wyo. — Union Pacific has demolished an at least 70-year-old water tower on its Harriman Cutoff line over Sherman Hill, the news site Cowboy State Daily reports, to the dismay of locals who say they would have mounted a preservation effort if given the opportunity.
On Wednesday, Dec. 17, UP spokesman Mike Jaixen told the news site the railroad was “in the process of demolishing an obsolete water tower from near Harriman, Wyo., this week.” The railroad did not offer additional comment.
Harriman resident Michael Geary told Cowboy State Daily that residents of the unincorporated community of about 135 people are “sad and angry” about the demolition: “It’s been a landmark forever, and many people have ventured here to see it. It’s very dismaying.”
Harriman, at 7,388 feet on the Harriman Cutoff line built in 1953, is located just north of the Colorado state line and about 8 miles south of Interstate 8. The 50-foot-tall steam-era remnant could hold about 300,000 gallons of water.
This won’t be the last. UP says the old CNW coaling towers are coming down as well. Enjoy them while they last.
DAVID: Should be Interstate 80.