Winnemucca in Humboldt County, Nevada — The American Mountains (Southwest)
Railroads and Telegraphs
The Transcontinental Railroad was highly important to the development of the United States as it linked the Atlantic and Pacific coasts and transformed the emigrants' difficult six-month cross-country journey to a comfortable six-day train trip. Communication was also greatly enhanced by the Overland Telegraph that was built simultaneously along the railroad route.
Local historian J.P. Marden states, "The Central Pacific Railroad changed the history of Winnemucca like no other single event ever would. It brought the world to Winnemucca and Winnemucca to the world." In September of 1868 Winnemucca was officially designated as CPR stop. A train station and round house (where trains could be serviced and turned around) were built on Railroad Street. Winnemucca residents could board the train at the station and travel to San Francisco in a day. Native Americans received free passage on freight trains and Chiefs were granted free coach travel.
The railroad also facilitated the transportation of freight. From the 1860s through the 1940s, thousands of cattle were shipped from Winnemucca. According to J.P. Marden, "In the early days it was said that a person could not eat a steak in San Francisco that had not started life on northern Nevada grass.
Many of the Chinese who helped build the CPR settled along this route. Winnemucca had a thriving Chinatown located in the vicinity of the current Humboldt County Library.
In 1899, the CPR was sold to the Southern Pacific Railroad (SPR) and in 1908 the Western Pacific Railroad (WPR) built a second transcontinental railroad and telegraph line through Winnemucca. The WPR paralleled the CPR route from Wells to Winnemucca, after which it took a more northerly route to California by way of Gerlach. Although some sections of the CPR/SPR and the WPR have been rerouted, both railroads are still in use today. The WPR (in view below where you stand) is now owned by Union Pacific and used by freight trains only, but you cans still ride Amtrack's California Zephyr along much of the original CPR route.
Erected by Humboldt Museum, Bureau of Land Management.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Communications • Railroads & Streetcars. A significant historical date for this entry is May 10, 1869.
Location. 40° 58.618′ N, 117° 44.662′ W. Marker is in Winnemucca, Nevada, in Humboldt County. Marker is on Museum Avenue near Maple Avenue, on the left when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 175 Museum Avenue, Winnemucca NV 89445, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Victory Highway and Transcontinental Airway System (here, next to this marker); The California Trail (here, next to this marker); Explorers and Mountain Men (here, next to this marker); Winnemucca and the Humboldt River Corridor (here, next to this marker); The Humboldt River (here, next to this marker); Josephine (Josie) Reed Pearl (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Pioneer Memorial Park (approx. 0.2 miles away); Winneva Building (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Winnemucca.
More about this marker. This marker is located at the overlook at the Humboldt Museum.
Credits. This page was last revised on October 22, 2019. It was originally submitted on October 22, 2019, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 213 times since then and 31 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 22, 2019, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.