CRYSTAL LAKE – As the Union Pacific Railroad celebrated its 150th anniversary this year, it also celebrated its historical connection to Crystal Lake.

Last week the railroad awarded the city membership in its Train Town USA Registry as part of the anniversary celebration. Union Pacific representatives presented the Crystal Lake City Council with a resolution detailing the long history that the city and the railroad have shared.

One hundred and fifty years ago, President Abraham Lincoln signed the Pacific Railway Act of July 1, 1862, which created the original Union Pacific. The railroad celebrated the benchmark anniversary with a variety of events and a website, www.up150.com.