Remembering the Railroads 2012
The Legacy of Florida Railroading
Railroads have a storied legacy in United States and in Florida. In the post-Civil War era, Government leaders in Florida such as Governor Edward Perry and David Yulee saw the great potential the railroads would have in connecting the corners of far reaching state. Visionary businessmen such as Henry Flagler and Henry Plant recognized the growth and development opportunities Florida would create as it became a leading agricultural producer and tourism center in the United States. Both men and many others connected the state with rail lines that still cross Florida today.
Railroads have a long and storied place in American History. Innovation and invention is one of the foundations of American society and culture. The railroads were leaders in the Industrial Revolution which brought America into an age that continues today through major technology advances. Railroad technology is rooted very early in American history. Nearly a century before the industrial revolution in 1802, Thomas Jefferson said “The introduction of so powerful an agent as steam to a carriage on wheels will make a great change in the situation of man.”
This legacy continues to grow today. Florida is home to CSX, one of the eight Class 1 railroads in the United States. Amtrak runs 3 passenger routes a day to and from Florida; and one, the AutoTrain, is the world’s longest passenger train. As home of the Ringling Circus Train,.JPG)
the Ringling Railroad Car Maintenance Shops in Palmetto, FL continue to support the railcar operations of “The Greatest Show on Earth”. And Manatee County is home to the world’s largest Unit Train, the Tropicana Juice Train.
Since the dawn of the iron horse, photography has always been a vital historical tool capturing progress and history. A noted piece of this history is America’s railroads. Professionally, seeing the works of H. Reid, Otto Perry and O. Winston Link bring admiration for the level of their art. Though professional railroad photography as a specialty is rare, many amateurs continue to be inspired by these artists and their art; by the traditions established by former generations capturing the spirit and excitement of railroads through photography. On any given weekend you will find rail fans near rail lines capturing the excitement of rail transportation through video, still photography and other visual art forms.
“Remembering the Railroads”, presented by The Florida Railroad Experience is a month long celebration of the history of Florida Railroading. Established as an annual event, it has been created to preserve a portion of the visual history of Florida railroading. This Photo Contest and Exhibition will be a rich and varied exhibit that will surprise and delight even those who have already experienced railroad photography as an art form. Artists will bring their own unique artistic interpretations to the exhibit. Visitors to the exhibition can expect to see Florida railroad history presented in all its glory, from the days of “locals” moving people between towns to the long double stacks of intermodal service of today, from the waning days of passenger service in the 1950’s to Amtrak’s sleek and modern service today. “Remembering the Railroads” will open on March 3, 2012 at the Courtyard by Marriott Hotel in Bradenton, FL. The exhibition will be on display in the hotel lobby for the month of March.
The celebration kicks off on January 26, 2012 with Florida Railroad Experience Celebrity Bartender Night at the Polo Grill & Lounge in downtown 
Lakewood Ranch. At the event will be several examples of railroad photography. 2 Lucky Winners will receive Steam & Steel 2012 Wall Calendars. These calendars include photography by noted Railroad Photographer, O. Winston Link. We will also be raffling off a Caboose Charter Ride at The Florida Railroad Musuem.
Remembering the Railroads, the Photo Exhibition will open on March 3, 2012 at the Courtyard by Marriott in downtown Bradenton. The exhibition is open to the public and will run for the Month of March. The official opening night reception is on Saturday, March 3, 2012 at Winestyles, 8225 Natures Way Suite 111 Lakewood Ranch, FL. At the reception the photo contest winners will be announced and presented with their awards. The opening night reception will feature live music, food and cash bar and a silent auction. To order tickets for the opening night reception or for more information, click here. Tickets are $50 per adult and $75 per couple.
Also that evening, the president of Florida Railroad Experience will be presenting the first annual Florida Railroad History Preservation award. For more information on the award, click here.
At the fundraising gala there will also be a Silent Auction titled "The Great American Vacation". Items included in the auction hotels stays, admission tickets to theme parks & tourist attractions throughout Florida and restaurant gift cards.
We invite you to join with us in this important cause - only through community support can we continue progress towards making Florida Railroad Experience a reality in Manatee County.
For more information on the Photo Contest, Contest Rules and the entry form, please click here.
For more information on the opening night reception or to purchase tickets, please click here.
For more information on Florida Railroad History Preservation award, how to nominate an individual or organization for the award or for a nomination form, please click here.