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What's In A Name

Semaphore - An apparatus for visual signaling

Merriam-Webster Dictionary

Since their inception, railways have sought to increase the safety, reliability, and efficiency of the physical track over which they operate. Semaphores were one of the earliest widespread methods of conveying safety critical information to train operators. Semaphores as a technological innovation spurred the development of power signaling, centralized traffic control, and the modern computer based signaling systems used today.

While rarely seen today, their legacy of clearly communicating important information is the inspiration for the name of this site.

West Siding Switch Ojita, Circa 2012. The back of one of the last semaphores on the BNSF Railway retreats from the rear end of an eastbound Southwest Chief.