OMAHA, Neb., Feb. 10, 2012 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- When Abraham Lincoln signed the Pacific Railway Act of July 1, 1862, creating the original Union Pacific, his vision for the transcontinental railroad was to connect a nation from east to west. While Lincoln did not live to see the completion of the transcontinental railroad, his vision was fulfilled. Along the way, more than 7,000 cities and towns began as Union Pacific depots and water stops.

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"Abraham Lincoln's expectations were high," said Jim Young, Union Pacific chairman and CEO. "What he thought would be a means to settle the West and build commerce has become the infrastructure that moves the American economy and virtually everything that touches us in our daily lives. Not even Lincoln could have envisioned the railroad we have today, but he would be proud."

As Union Pacific celebrates its 150th anniversary in 2012, this carries on Lincoln's vision by connecting America to the global economy. Union Pacific helps U.S. businesses compete on a global scale by providing cost-effective, efficient, safe and on-time transportation, enabling companies to reach the global export market. Nearly 40 percent of Union Pacific's freight originates or terminates outside of the U.S.

Strong transportation infrastructure is critical to businesses, consumers and the economy. Union Pacific plans to invest a record $3.6 billion in 2012, adding to the more than $31 billion it spent from 2000 to 2011.

Union Pacific expects to hire 4,000 to 4,500 employees in 2012, depending on the economy.

"We are investing in America's transportation infrastructure so taxpayers don't have to," Young said. "Looking to the future, our railroad will continue helping this country improve its competitive position globally by investing billions in capital, creating well-paying jobs and providing safe, environmentally responsible transportation."

Learn more about Union Pacific's 150th anniversary celebration, view upcoming events and news, and read stories of the company's impact throughout the years at up150.com.

About Union Pacific

It was 150 years ago that Abraham Lincoln signed the Pacific Railway Act of July 1, 1862, creating the original Union Pacific. One of America's iconic companies, today Union Pacific Railroad is the principal operating company of Union Pacific Corporation (NYSE: UNP), linking 23 states in the western two-thirds of the country by rail and providing freight solutions and logistics expertise to the global supply chain. From 2000 through 2011, Union Pacific spent more than $31 billion on its network and operations, making needed investments in America's infrastructure and enhancing its ability to provide safe, reliable, fuel-efficient and environmentally responsible freight transportation. Union Pacific's diversified business mix includes Agricultural Products, Automotive, Chemicals, Energy, Industrial Products and Intermodal. The railroad serves many of the fastest-growing U.S. population centers and emphasizes excellent customer service. Union Pacific operates competitive routes from all major West Coast and Gulf Coast ports to eastern gateways, connects with Canada's rail systems and is the only railroad serving all six major Mexico gateways.

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SOURCE Union Pacific

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