The Southwestern Region of the Pennsylvania Railroad was created on March 1, 1920, from parts of the former Southwest System and Saint Louis System of the former Lines West organization. It comprised that portion of the railroad between Columbus and St. Louis, consisting of a main line and numerous branches. The headquarters of the Southwestern Region was located in St. Louis. The Southwestern Region and the Northwestern Region were merged on June 1, 1925, to form the Western Region.
The Vice President was the chief line officer at the regional level. The only incumbent of this office was Benjamin McKeen, who prior to the 1920 reorganization had been Fifth Vice President of the Lines West organization, in charge of real estate. McKeen was a mechanical engineer by training and entered the service of the Terre Haute ? General Manager of the Vandalia Railroad in 1903; and General Manager of the entire Lines West organization in 1913. He was elevated to the vice presidency in 1917. Upon dissolution of the Southwestern Region in 1925, McKeen was named Vice President-St. Louis, which he held until his retirement on February 1, 1933. This was largely a ceremonial post, reporting to the President. A native of Terre Haute, McKeen was one of the company's most experienced and influential officers at the southwestern end of its system.
From the description of Records, 1917-1930. (Hagley Museum & Library). WorldCat record id: 122355355
