Anyone who has traveled down Highway 10 has likely seen Dilworth’s train engine. Located on the corner of 4th St. SE and Center Ave. E, the train is symbolic of the city’s past. Had it not been for the railroad’s emergence in the late 19th century, Dilworth may not have become the city it is today.
The NP 1068 L-9 engine is the flagship of Dilworth’s Whistle Stop Park. That does not mean it is the only attraction, however. Every Thursday from July to September, the engine shares its glory with a very prominent Farmers Market, which is open from 3:00 – 7:00pm. In addition, the Dilworth Park Board recently oversaw the completion of a new playground structure, located directly behind the train. The structure is one of several upgrades the board plans to make over the next few years.
The NP 1068 L-9 train was a 0-6-0 engine, a title used to represent the wheel arrangement of no leading wheels, six powered and coupled driving wheels on three axels, and no trailing wheels. The 0-6-0 configuration was the most widely used wheel arrangement for both tender and tank steam locomotives. The earliest recorded example was the Royal George built by Timothy Hackworth for the Stockton and Darlington Railway in 1825. The NP 1068 L-9 train was one of the engines responsible for Dilworth’s rapid growth and development.
Originally named Richardson, Dilworth was established as a station by the Northern Pacific Railroad in 1883. In November 1884, the name was changed from Richardson to Dilworth in honor of Joseph Dilworth of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, a coffee importer and the director of the Northern Pacific from 1875 to 1881.
Until 1906, Dilworth was a small station serving two grain elevators. It had no depot building or agent. The crowding of the Northern Pacific sites in Fargo necessitated the selection of a new site for divisional terminal facilities, and Dilworth was chosen. By July 1906, the Northern Pacific had purchased nearly 500 acres of land around the Dilworth siding for the new headquarters. The city was formally incorporated in 1911, and quickly established its own government and law enforcement.
Dilworth Mayor Chad Olson is proud of the city’s relationship with the railroad. “We are a railroad town,” he said. Olson’s grandfather was part of the group that moved the train to its current location; a feat that was achieved by flooding 4th Street in the winter and sliding the train down the road. The city continues to enjoy an active partnership with the railroad. “Burlington Northern is a partner in this (the train) and is a great steward of the city,” Olson said. “We are proud of the railroad and Italian heritage that is the City of Dilworth.”
Dilworth was recently named one of the most playful cities in the United States, a designation shared with only one other town in Minnesota. Whistle Stop Park’s new playground equipment is indicative of the city’s commitment to fun and recreation. “We are very proud of that designation,” Olson said, adding that the award was achieved thanks to the work of the Park Board. In addition to the playground equipment, the board has been working on multiuse trails, bike paths, and other quality recreational opportunities, all of which will serve as further enhancements to the city.
Mayor Olson would like to see more people stop in the city instead of driving straight through. “There is more to Dilworth that what is on Highway 10,” he said. “Once people drive off the highway, they can see the school, pool, parks, and high quality homes. Once you make that turn, the greatness of the city really grows.”
Whether it is a visit to Whistle Stop Park or simply a drive through the city, stop and see the community for yourself. You will not be disappointed.
More information on the city of Dilworth can be obtained at www.dilworthcitymn.com. More DGF Country on page 11.
