Nevada's Virginia & Truckee Railroad

Images of Rail: Nevada's Virginia & Truckee Railroad by Stephen E. Drew

"The Virginia & Truckee is the most famous short line railroad in American history. Brainchild of William Sharon and the Bank of California, the V&T hauled the silver and gold ore, the cordwood, and the mining timbers that made the 1870s "Big Bonanza" a reality. From the state capital at Carson City, V&T rails stretched 66 miles to Virginia City, Reno, and Minden, Nevada. Serving the transportation needs of the Comstock's nearly 40,000 inhabitants, the V&T remained in operation until 1950. The enormously successful railroad paid its early owners handsome dividends. The V&T's ornate locomotives and cars have starred in hundreds of Hollywood productions and are now preserved in US museums. Since 1976, fourteen miles of the railroad have been restored to operation. The Virginia & Truckee has become an enduring legend. 

With 45 years invested in research, author Stephen E. Drew is the leading historian on Nevada's Virginia & Truckee Railroad. He draws on interviews with former employees and old-tmers to convey the rich 80-year history of the line and its rebirth beginning in 1976. The remarkable images are drawn from the attics and photo albums of Nevada families and private collectors throughout the country. 

The Images of Rail series celebrates the history of rail, trolley, streetcar, and subway transportation across the country. Using archival photographs, each title presents the people, places, and events that helped revolutionize transportation and commerce in 19th- and 20th-century America. Arcadia is proud to play a part in the preservation of local heritage, making history available to all."

Dimensions: 6.5 x 0.31 x 9.25

Format: Paperback

Page Count: 125