Our News

**History of Railway Ties:**
– First railroads in the United States established in the early 1830s
– Introduction of wood railroad ties in 1832 by Robert Stevens
– Transition from hand-hewn ties to sawmill production by the early 1940s
– Evolution of tie treatments over time
– Steam and gasoline engines made tie hacking obsolete

**Pressure Treatment of Railway Ties:**
– Pressure treating of crossties began in the mid-1800s
– First treated ties with bichloride of mercury in 1838
– Permanent treating facility in Lowell, Massachusetts in 1848
– Introduction of date nails by Octave Chanute for tie life tracking
– Ongoing research and development in tie treatments

**Railway Tie Industry Overview:**
– Railroad expansion post-American Civil War increased tie demand
– Every mile of track required 2,500-3,500 crossties
– Tie demand fluctuated during World War I and the Great Depression
– Federal Government intervention during the Great Depression and World War II
– Constant demand for ties due to retirement of old ties

**The Railway Tie Association:**
– Founded in St. Louis, Missouri in 1919
– Renamed to The Railway Tie Association in 1932
– John W. Fristoe was the first president
– Emphasis on developing economies and reducing expenses
– Continuing to uphold initial values and ideals
– Active committees including Legislative & Environmental Affairs Response, Education, Executive, Manufacturing Safety & Material Handling, and Research and Development

**Educational Resources and Industry Updates by Railway Tie Association:**
– RTA offers new educational videos on tie grading
– Scholarships available through RTA
– Educational materials on tie grading
– Tie production and purchases updates in Rail News
– Industry updates via Railway News
– Tie production and purchase forecasts