How 1 girl stopped a railroad disaster and saved 200 lives

Kate Shelley was only 17 in 1881 when she averted a tragedy

· Thursday, July 13, 2023

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Kate Shelley, a girl from Iowa, played a crucial role in a life-or-death situation that unfolded on a stormy night in 1881. Her bravery and quick thinking saved hundreds of lives and left an indelible mark on transportation history.

Join Deputy Editor Brielle Jaekel and fellow FreightWaves TV host Mary O’Connell as they explore the thrilling details of Shelley’s remarkable journey and the challenges she faced on her quest to warn a train of impending disaster. It’s a tale that will keep you on the edge of your seat!

FreightWaves Classics articles look at various aspects of the transportation industry’s history. Click here to subscribe to our newsletter!

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Brielle Jaekel

Brielle is the deputy editor of Freight Waves and has a seven-year history in B2B publishing, tackling cutting edge stories in business, with more than two years specifically focused on the supply chain. She’s interviewed numerous CEOs and is adept at finding stories that matter to the industry. She believes in finding a new way forward in the supply chain to solve problems, drive sustainability and put people first. If you’d like to get in touch with Brielle, please email her at [email protected].