Flagstaff in Coconino County, Arizona — The American Mountains (Southwest)
"The Gandy Dancer"
Photographed by Bill Kirchner, July 7, 2010
1. "The Gandy Dancer" Marker
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.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Railroads & Streetcars.
Location. 35° 11.82′ N, 111° 38.885′ W. Marker is in Flagstaff, Arizona, in Coconino County. It 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.
Regionally, this marker is in Flagstaff & High Country and in Hopi. It is also in the American Southwest, in the Mountain West, in Colorado Plateau, and at the Four Corners. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain and also Mexicos Alta California.
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
this page online
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.)
Photographed by Adam Margolis, May 24, 2024
2. "The Gandy Dancer" Marker
2000 bronze by Clyde "Ross" Morgan, photograph by Robert L Weber, July 7, 2010
3. "The Gandy Dancer" Statue and Marker
Photographed by Bill Kirchner, July 7, 2010
4. "The Gandy Dancer" Statue and Marker
2000 bronze by Clyde "Ross" Morgan, photograph by Robert L Weber, June 20, 2011
5. "The Gandy Dancer"
Photographed by Denise Boose, July 16, 2012
6. Railroad Station 1889
Flagstaffs 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.
Photographed by Adam Margolis, May 24, 2024
7. "The Gandy Dancer" Marker
Photographed by Adam Margolis, May 24, 2024
8. "The Gandy Dancer" Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on October 17, 2025. It was originally submitted on July 19, 2010, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. This page has been viewed 3,270 times since then and 96 times this year. Last updated on July 27, 2021, by John Vankat of Flagstaff, Arizona. Photos: 1. submitted on July 19, 2010, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. 2. submitted on December 17, 2024, by Adam Margolis of Mission Viejo, California. 3, 4. submitted on July 19, 2010, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. 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. 7, 8. submitted on December 17, 2024, by Adam Margolis of Mission Viejo, California. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
