Photo: J. E. France, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Who He Is
John Luther "Casey" Jones (1864–1900) was an American locomotive engineer who became one of the most famous figures in railroad history. He started working for the Illinois Central Railroad in 1888 and was promoted to engineer in 1890. Jones quickly gained recognition for his exceptional skill with a locomotive whistle and his determination to keep his trains on schedule.
Why He Matters
On the night of April 30, 1900, Jones spotted a stalled freight train on the tracks ahead, ordered his fireman to jump, then stayed at the controls applying the brakes. He could not stop in time, but his actions slowed the train enough that he was the only person killed. Every passenger survived. His coworker Wallace Saunders wrote a ballad about his heroism that became one of America's most enduring folk songs. Casey Jones's story captures the spirit of the railroad engineer: courage, skill, and a willingness to put others' safety above one's own life.
