Union Pacific Railroad Omaha Shops Facility

The Union Pacific Railroad Omaha Shops Facility was a major railroad maintenance complex in downtown Omaha that housed numerous repair shops and locomotive servicing buildings. The site covered a large industrial area with specialized workshops for different railroad equipment and systems.

The facility opened in 1865 when the first locomotives arrived and became the primary maintenance hub for Union Pacific operations. It remained a vital operation until its closure in 1988 after more than a century of railroad service.

The facility served as an innovation center where William R. McKeen Jr. developed the track motorcar in 1905, advancing railroad transportation technology.

The original site is no longer accessible for viewing the railway facility as the area has been redeveloped for other uses. Visitors interested in learning about this location's railroad history can find information at local museums and historical societies.

A self-propelled rail vehicle called the motorcar was developed at this workshop in the early 1900s for specialized railroad tasks. This innovation became an important tool for efficient railroad operations and inspections.

Location: Nebraska

GPS coordinates: 41.26360,-95.92780

Latest update: December 12, 2025 14:26