Flagstaff in Coconino County, Arizona — The American Mountains (Southwest)
"The Gandy Dancer"
Photographed By Bill Kirchner, July 7, 2010
1. "The Gandy Dancer" Marker
Inscription.
"The Gandy Dancer". . Section crews were the laborers who built the railroads in the beginning and have continued throughout the years to maintain them. These crews were most efficient in moving heavy sections of rails when they all worked in unison. To accomplish this they sometimes used songs or some other method of keeping a beat. The tools used were manufactured by the Gandy Tool Company, hence the term, "Gandy Dancer." The tools shown here are the spike maul, rail gauge, wrench, clawbar, and rail tongs., Clyde "Ross" Morgan, Sculptor
Section crews were the laborers who built the railroads in the beginning and have continued throughout the years to maintain them. These crews were most efficient in moving heavy sections of rails when they all worked in unison. To accomplish this they sometimes used songs or some other method of keeping a beat. The tools used were manufactured by the Gandy Tool Company, hence the term, "Gandy Dancer." The tools shown here are the spike maul, rail gauge, wrench, clawbar, and rail tongs.
Clyde "Ross" Morgan, Sculptor
Erected 2000 by City of Flagstaffs Public Art Program.
Location. 35° 11.82′ N, 111° 38.885′ W. Marker is in Flagstaff, Arizona, in Coconino County. Marker is at the intersection of Route 66 and South San Francisco Street, on the right when traveling east on Route 66. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Flagstaff AZ 86001, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Donahue Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Aubineau / Andreatos Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Two Spots (within shouting distance of this marker); Coconino Chop House
Also see . . . YouTube Posting - Details of the Gandy Dancers. An example of Gandy Dancing telling the story of African-American Gandy Dancers from the South. (Submitted on July 20, 2010.)
2000 bronze by Clyde "Ross" Morgan, photograph by Robert L Weber, July 7, 2010
2. "The Gandy Dancer" Statue and Marker
Photographed By Bill Kirchner, July 7, 2010
3. "The Gandy Dancer" Statue and Marker
2000 bronze by Clyde "Ross" Morgan, photograph by Robert L Weber, June 20, 2011
4. "The Gandy Dancer"
Photographed By Robert L Weber, June 20, 2011
5. "The Gandy Dancer"
Photographed By Denise Boose, July 16, 2012
6. Railroad Station 1889
Flagstaff’s original railroad station consisted of one or two boxcars parked on this site in the fall of 1882. They were replaced by a wood building in 1886. It burned in 1888 and later that year was replaced by another wood building. In 1889, it also burned and was replaced by this stone building. It later served as a freight depot and now houses offices of the railroad company.
Credits. This page was last revised on November 15, 2021. It was originally submitted on July 19, 2010, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. This page has been viewed 2,419 times since then and 27 times this year. Last updated on July 27, 2021, by John Vankat of Flagstaff, Arizona. Photos:1, 2, 3. submitted on July 19, 2010, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. 4, 5. submitted on July 2, 2011, by Bob (peach) Weber of Dewey, Arizona. 6. submitted on September 15, 2012, by Denise Boose of Tehachapi, California. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.