The Last Train
At exactly 5:33 p.m. on Thursday, February 9, 1984, the engineer on the Burlington Northern train sounded one long, mournful wail on the whistle. The 16-car train slowly moved northward out of Eagle Bend on its final run. What had begun in 1883 as the K-Line of the St. Paul, Minneapolis and Manitoba Railway had come to an end.
From its beginning in the early 1880's, Eagle Bend's residents have always faced the future with optimism. Where saw mills, flour mills and hotels once stood, other businesses have taken their place. Many of the early wood frame buildings were destroyed by fire. But as soon as the ashes cooled, a new building arose in its place.
Over the years, Eagle Bend has seen its share of publicity - some good and some bad. It gained notoriety during the days of prohibition with its multitude of "bootleggers" and "brawlers". Eagle Bend received national attention when its public school became the first in the nation to receive a license for a low-power educational television station. Through channel 45, several area schools shared teachers and classes over television.
With "pride in our past....and belief in our future", Eagle Bend continues to be a great place to call home. A lot of the time it's difficult to find a parking place on Main Street as patrons visit the local businesses. The beautiful new Nelson Park attracts all ages. Several new or existing businesses are becoming a reality or expanding into larger facilities.
When the school was still Eagle Bend High School, the cheerleaders had a cheer that says it all: "We're from Eagle Bend, couldn't be prouder. They can't hear us, so yell a little louder!" and we're still yelling after 125 years.