RECENT NEWS
Steam Through Time: Otto Perry’s Union Pacific Films Come Back to Life
One of the most exciting additions to the Depot’s historical collection is the ongoing digitization of rare Otto Perry railroad films capturing Union Pacific steam power across southeastern Wyoming. Thanks to the dedication of our board, and especially Ben and Charles for the countless hours they have invested in this effort, these historic reels are being preserved and brought back to life.
These newly restored clips offer a vivid glimpse into the 1950s, including Union Pacific 535 racing past Camp Colorado and Union Pacific 4013 passing through Laramie en route to Cheyenne on August 4, 1956.
Filmed on 16mm motion picture reels by famed railroad photographer Otto Perry, the footage is part of the Rocky Mountain Railroad Club Collection (1903–1980).
Sound has been carefully added to enhance the viewing experience. In the 535 sequence, the observation car seen was originally a Southern Pacific car later operated by Union Pacific in Armour Yellow.
Saving the Stories of Steam for Future Generations
This project represents an important step in preserving a visual record of railroading in our region and making it accessible to the public.
Many more reels remain to be digitized, including footage of Union Pacific 4014 in several locations along Sherman Hill prior to 1957, scenes from the Coalmont Branch, and appearances from some of the largest steam locomotives ever to run through Wyoming. These films, owned by the Rocky Mountain Railroad Club, provide a rare and authentic look at the steam era in motion.
Each reel offers small but meaningful details that help tell the story of how railroads shaped communities across Wyoming and the surrounding region.
As additional footage is restored, it will continue to expand the Depot’s growing historical archive and help share these stories with future generations.
This ongoing work ensures that these moments are not lost to time and can be appreciated by researchers, historians, and visitors alike. The reels we digitize are also available for research at the American Heritage Center.
2025 Open House at the Depot
Get ready to mark your calendars! Join us on Friday, November 8th, and Saturday, November 9th, for a special weekend celebration as we open our doors to the community.
This year's Open House is more than just a tour; it's a chance to connect, share, and celebrate the heart of our work.
Whether you’re a long-time supporter, a curious neighbor, or a potential new member, we invite you to step inside and experience what makes our organization unique.
We'll be offering exclusive behind-the-scenes tours, live demonstrations, and a chance to meet the dedicated individuals who drive our mission forward.
This event is free and open to the public, and we encourage families, students, and neighbors from all around to join us for an inspiring weekend of community and discovery.
Join us Saturday, September 20th and see the newly restored Caboose.
On September 20th, 2025, the Laramie Historic Railroad Depot will host a very special celebration in Depot Park in partnership with the Snow Train Downtown Music Festival—the unveiling of the fully restored Snow Train Rolling Stock Caboose. This caboose is not just a piece of steel and wood—it’s a living reminder of our community’s history, resilience, and connection to the railroads that built Laramie. You can donate to the project by clicking here.
To honor this milestone, we’re gathering the community for an evening of live music, history, and celebration under the Wyoming sky. This event is free and open to the public, and we expect families, students, and neighbors from all around to join us.
The Laramie Railroad Depot was built in 1924 to replace the town's original Union Pacific Depot/Hotel that was destroyed by fire in 1917. It served as Laramie's Union Pacific passenger depot until 1971 and as an Amtrak depot until 1983. In 1985, the Union Pacific Railroad gave the Depot to the Laramie Plains Museum, which then transferred ownership to the Laramie Railroad Depot Association in 2009.
The Depot is the only remaining building left from the once large Union Pacific presence in Laramie and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1988. The railroad is the reason for the City’s original existence, and the Depot is an important part of Laramie’s historic legacy.
The building houses a museum of railroad memorabilia and is used for various community functions such as music concerts, art exhibits and public meetings. The building is also used to raise revenue to maintain itself through rentals for weddings, banquets and other events.
“If you are an avid train enthusiast, look no further! The Laramie Railroad Depot has a lot of great history! ”