Design and Location

The memorial will be erected on property obtained from Union Pacific Railroad, through the City of De Soto, on Fountain City Rd., at the north-end crossing. Histories of the three railroads for which the De Soto community has provided a home, will be incorporated into the memorial. This location is easily accessible and will provide ample parking.

The design for the memorial evolved as the committee called upon the skills of local artists and craftsmen (present and former), who generously contributed their talents to the project, including, among others, Bill DeClue, Debbie Boyle, Maxine Jinkerson, Charles Campbell, Ed Boyer, and Tom Parker.

Tom Parker and his company BRW Architects, INC, of College Station, Texas, contributed the memorial's final design and construction plan.

The site surrounding the memorial has become an integral part of the design over time. Additional features, such as a flag plaza, and others, have been included in the overall design scheme, and will be incorporated into the site as time and funds permit.

The Memorial committee is pleased to announce that the family of Joseph and Susan Boyer have graciously offered to pay for the history/picture wall. Additionally, Ed Boyer has offered to construct it at no cost to the committee. The family will likely purchase a couple of pictures/plaques for the wall as well. The gesture is greatly appreciated and sparks momentum to the overall project.

Playground equipment will also be incorporated as funds permit, providing an interactive area where children can play as they learn about the history of their community.

The memorial structure remains the focal point of the site and will be the first element erected.