The Southern Pacific Impact on Douglas, AZ: Philip Secor's Perspective

Southern Pacific Engineering played a pivotal role in the expansion of the railroad network in the American Southwest, and its impact reached as far as Douglas, AZ. In the late 1800s, Southern Pacific's engineers were instrumental in designing and constructing the rail lines that connected major cities, including the vital route through southern Arizona. The company’s investment in railroad infrastructure brought Southern Pacific trains through Douglas, turning the town into a key transit point for goods like copper and textiles, while also enhancing its status as a critical border crossing between the U.S. and Mexico. The dismantling of the train tracks in Douglas, Arizona, started in the early 2000s as rail traffic decreased and transportation needs evolved. Once an important link for trade and travel, the town slowly adjusted to the removal of its rail infrastructure as other methods of transport became more widely used.

Philip Secor & his wife now live in Las Cruces.

Interview: Douglas Visitor Center Dec 26th, 2024