OREANDA-NEWS. Dequincy, Louisiana, has been awarded membership in Union Pacific's Train Town USA Registry as part of ongoing efforts to highlight cities with a historical connection to the railroad. The city received an official Train Town USA resolution signed by Union Pacific Chairman Jim Young in a special presentation to Mayor Debra Smith. Union Pacific launched its Train Town USA Registry as part of the railroad's 150th anniversary celebration in 2012.

"We are proud to recognize Dequincy as we celebrate our growing up together," said Drew Tessier, Union Pacific director – Public Affairs.  "Union Pacific was founded to help connect the nation from east to west. Our shared heritage with Dequincy is a source of pride as we remember our past while delivering the goods American businesses and families use every day."

Missouri Pacific and Kansas City Southern Railroads were major employers when Dequincy was established. Missouri Pacific Railroad was acquired by Union Pacific in 1982. Many Dequincy residents have had at least one family member work for the railroad and some families have worked for the railroad for generations.

Four of the past five mayors have been Union Pacific employees, including Mayor Lawrence Henagan, who has served Union Pacific Railroad for 30 years. In addition, more than half of the Dequincy city council members have been Union Pacific employees. Union Pacific is a key supporter of the community in Dequincy and has supported its Railroad Days Festival for 30 years.

Union Pacific serves nearly 7,300 communities in 23 states west of Illinois, covering 32,000 miles.