Old timers keep track of Burlington’s railroad heritage

Getting railroaded usually isn’t a good thing.

Unless, of course, you’re in Burlington – the “Hub City” of Skagit County – where getting railroaded means reflecting back on the passenger and freight trains that were instrumental in its evolution from a modest logging camp into a vibrant community.

The pivotal year was 1890. That’s when the Great Northern and Seattle & Northern railways extended their lines through western Skagit County.

The Great Northern tracks ran north and south. The S&N lines were laid east and west. They crossed at Burlington.

Thus, the enduring nickname “The...