The Portland Zoo Railroad: The Biggest Little Railway in the Country

The Portland Zoo Railroad: The Biggest Little Railway in the Country
The Portland Zoo Railway (PZRy) was founded in 1958 in the West Hills of Portland, one year before the opening of the new Portland zoo. Its flagship, the streamlined, Space Age-styled Zooliner made its debut on June 5, 1958, and carried over 2,500 riders that day. This was a year before the opening of the zoo, and the fares collected over the season, as planned, were used to fund and build the zoo. By the end of the summer, the Zooliner had carried 200,000 passengers. The magnificence of the Zooliner rolling down the track with flags flying, symbolized the optimism and growth of the post-war era. A year later, the steam-powered Oregon Locomotive No. 1 was added to the rolling stock. This presentation by Mellissa Darby will trace the history of the railroad and explore the route, examine the rolling stock, and discuss some famous passengers.

This lecture program is held at the Architectural Heritage Center - 701 SE Grand Avenue

Seating is Limited. Pre-Registration is Highly Recommended.

AHC Photo