28. Whistle Stop Express
Mural Depiction
The San Pedro & Southwestern Rail Road traces its history back to May 24, 1888, when the Arizona and Southeastern Railroad was incorporated with headquarters at Bisbee, Arizona. Bisbee was a booming mining town that by the 1890 census was the 6th largest city in Arizona. Since then, the line has been bought and sold many times.
Background Information
On June 15, 1992, the line was sold to Kyle Railways and commenced operations as the San Pedro & Southwestern Railway (SWKR).
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For several years beginning in 1995, the SWKR ran an excursion train from Benson to Charleston called the Whistle Stop Express. There were several excursion events to choose from, including an old-fashioned rally, cook-out, and a 45-minute stopover at the ghost town of Fairbank along the San Pedro River.
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Although short lived the SWKR was a valiant effort to bring back the ability to take an excursion to some of the ghost towns of Cochise County.
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The track was abandoned in 2006 and the rails removed in 2008.
Mural Information
Artist: Doug Quarles
Size: 4' x 12'
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Completed: April 2015
Sponsor:
San Pedro & Southwestern Rail Road
Benson Beautification, Inc.