The U.S. state of Missouri is located in the middle of the United States of America. It is famous for its two major cities: Saint Louis, commonly called the ‘Gateway of the West’, and Kansas City, a city known as ‘The City of Fountains’ for having more fountains than any other city in the world. The Mississippi River makes up the eastern border of the state while the Missouri River flows through the central region of the state. One of the most famous routes in the nation, U.S. Route 66, passed through the state. One of the towns along this route is the town of Pacific. Located 30 miles (50 kilometers) southwest of the city of Saint Louis, many travelers passed through the town until Interstate 44 was built which is far more used today. The town was the site of a battle during the American Civil War. The town of Pacific, Missouri is an American Midwestern small town that tells the story of Midwest America.
Some of you are saying, “Wait a minute. Pacific, Missouri? The state of Missouri does not border any ocean nor is it anywhere near the Pacific Ocean. Besides, this is not a railroad town. With Missouri being the ‘Show Me State’, do not waste my time showing me the town of Pacific, Missouri.”
Well, not too many people know about the town of Pacific, Missouri. Before the Interstate Highways were built, many travelers passed through here. It is not near any ocean to include the Pacific Ocean. Why would anybody what to visit this town?
Well, the town was not always known as Pacific. It was originally called Franklin, Missouri. It started out as a town of log cabins, but it then evolved into a regular town. In 1853, the Pacific Railroad came to the town. A railroad depot was built, and a post office was established. In 1864, ‘The Battle of Pacific’ a battle of the American Civil War, took place. The Confederate Army burned many structures to include the train depot. The Confederate Army attacked the railroads around the town. The Union Army eventually were able to force out the Confederate Army. A new railroad depot was built in 1882, and in was in use until 1961 when passenger service declined. The depot was demolished in 1976.
Today, you can follow the original route of U.S. Route 66 through the town. The Union Pacific Railroad and the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad (BNSF) roll through the town today, and the Union Pacific Railroad have offices here. Located on S. First Street just south of the railroad crossing is Pacific Station Plaza. Located at the original site of the train depot, you will see an inspector’s car and a caboose from the Burlington Northern Railroad. The town is located off of Interstate 44 and U.S. Route 50.
The named time you here about a town called Pacific, Missouri, it is not just a town on the old U.S. Route 66. It is a town that got its name from the railroad.
John Cowgill: Stories of the Railroad 