In 1896, W.G. (Willie) Crush was a passenger agent for the Missouri, Kansas & Texas Railroad, and he persuaded officials that a "Monster Wreck" would generate good publicity for the railroad. He found a level stretch of track surrounded by low hills near West, Texas; railroad engineers advised that there was no risk of the locomotives' boilers bursting. Newspapers and magazines promoted the event, planned for September 15. Handbills were posted all over Missouri, Kansas, the Indian Territories and Texas.

Two old 35-ton Pittsburgh 4-4-0 engines were freshly painted red and green; coupled to boxcars advertising the Katy Railroad, the Oriental Hotel of Dallas, and the Ringling Brothers Circus; and run up and down the line to promote the event. Mr. Crush set up a "City for a Day" at the impact site, building a station with a long platform and hiring 200 constables. A circus tent was raised for use as a restaurant. A midway included medicine shows, game booths, and lemonade stands. Five tank cars were connected to 100 spigots for thirsty spectators. Although alcoholic beverages were banned by local law, rumor is that there was no shortage. Thirty-three excursion trains brought passengers to the site for a $2 fare. By 10 am, there was a crowd of 10,000; by 4 pm, more than 40,000 people were standing shoulder-to-shoulder on the hill sides.

C.E. Stark was engineer and Frank Barnes was fireman on Engine 999, while Charles Cain was engineer and S.M. Dickerson was fireman of Engine 1001. Six old coaches were coupled to each engine. They took a last run, touched cowcatchers, and backed up to starting points two miles apart. Mr. Crush stepped onto the track and waved his hat; the telegrapher sent the start signal. The engineers tied down the throttles and, along with the firemen, jumped off the trains as they sped down the hills. The engines accelerated to 60 miles an hour, as torpedos laid on the track exploded. The engines collided and a moment later both boilers exploded, sending shards of hot metal into the crowd.

Ernest Darnell, perched in a tree, was hit and killed by a brake chain. Two others were killed and several were severely injured. A bolt and a washer were embedded in the brain of photographer J.C. Dean. Louis Bergstrom was knocked out by a plank. Many were burned by steam. One smoke stack flew a quarter of a mile. Two sets of wheels flew 300 yards. Willie Crush was fired before nightfall, while the "Crash at Crush" was in news headlines around the world. The Katy payed off damage claims with cash and lifetime rail passes, rehired Mr. Crush, and prospered.

As those candles are lit on September 15, pause a moment to remember the anniversary of the Great Train Wreck.