Carson City, Nevada — The American Mountains (Southwest)
Isaac Evan James
January 6, 1830 – January 1, 1887
Photographed By Syd Whittle, July 25, 2009
1. Isaac Evan James Marker
In March 1868 William Sharon of the Bank of California contracted with Isaac Evan James to construct a railroad from the mines of the Comstock Lode to the stamp mills located on the Carson River. Survey work got underway in December and grading began in February 1869. The line had meanwhile been extended to Carson City and was up and running to Virginia City on January 29, 1870.
The Virginia & Truckee Railroad – “Crookedest Railroad in the World” according to many journalists – had a ruling grade of 2.2 percent and a curvature equivalent to 17 complete circles in the 13 ½ mile run to the River. In recognition of his amazing engineering feat, Engine No.9 was named the “I.E. James”.
By Snowshoe Thompson Chapter No. 1827
Ancient & Honorable Order of E Clampus Vitus
Erected 2002 by Snowshoe Thompson Chapter No. 1827 E Clampus Vitus.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce
this page online
Location. 39° 10.225′ N, 119° 45.226′ W. Marker is in Carson City, Nevada. Marker can be reached from Seely Loop near North Saliman Road, on the left. Marker is located at Mills Park next to the train station ticket office and museum. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Carson City NV 89701, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Nevada Viet Nam Memorial (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); Mills Park (approx. 0.4 miles away); Corbett-Fitzsimmons Fight (approx. half a mile away); This Site (approx. 0.7 miles away); The Foreman-Roberts House (approx. 0.7 miles away); Virginia and Truckee Roundhouse (approx. 0.7 miles away); Charles W. Friend House, Observatory, and Weather Station (approx. 0.7 miles away); V & T, 1869-1950 (approx. 0.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Carson City.
Also see . . . Virginia & Truckee Railroad - Queen of the Short Lines. The Virginia & Truckee Railroad Website entry:
Today you can take the 35 minute trip from Virginia City to Gold Hill. (Submitted on August 2, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.)
via Virginia and Truckee, 1872
2. Map of Virginia and Truckee Railroad route (1872)
Additional keywords. Comstock Lode
Photographed By Syd Whittle, July 25, 2009
3. Isaac Evan James Marker
Historic American Buildings Survey (LOC), June 16, 1882
4. V & T Shops in Carson City
HABS NEV,13-CARCI,6-
Building/structure dates: 1872 initial construction
Building/structure dates: 1901 subsequent work
Significance: This large building is the most impressive visible remainder of the Virginia and Truckee Railroad, one of the most famous of America's Short-Line Railroads.
Click for more information.
Building/structure dates: 1872 initial construction
Building/structure dates: 1901 subsequent work
Significance: This large building is the most impressive visible remainder of the Virginia and Truckee Railroad, one of the most famous of America's Short-Line Railroads.
Click for more information.
The Western Nevada Historic Photo Collection
5. Carson City’s Old Engine House
The Virginia and Truckee's secondary enginehouse in Carson City. This wooden barn sat at the west end of town, near the corner of Mountain and Caroline. It was used to store locomotives or passenger cars, whatever equipment needed to be kept out of the weather. Here, in its later years, you can see the three-way stub switch poking through the weeds. It was torn down shortly after the line was abandoned in 1950.
Click for more information.
Click for more information.
The Western Nevada Historic Photo Collection
6. The Lakeview Grade
The V&T Engine #18, "Dayton", pulls a mixed train up the Lakeview grade out of Carson City on the first leg of its trip to Washoe Valley and Reno.
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Click for more information.
The Western Nevada Historic Photo Collection, circa 1880s
7. The Crown Point Trestle
The Crown Point Trestle crossed the Crown Point Ravine in Gold Hill. It was finished in November 1869, and stayed up until 1936. Here a Virginia City-bound train crosses the trestle in the 1880s.
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Click for more information.
Photographed By Syd Whittle, August 9, 2009
8. The Virginia & Truckee Railroad
Today, the railroad runs a round-trip excursion trip from Virginia City to Gold Hill and back.
via Virginia and Truckee Railraod, unknown
9. The Virginia & Truckee Railroad Tourist Train route
Credits. This page was last revised on May 26, 2021. It was originally submitted on August 2, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. This page has been viewed 1,884 times since then and 36 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on August 2, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. 2. submitted on March 21, 2021, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. submitted on August 2, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. 8. submitted on August 11, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. 9. submitted on March 21, 2021, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.
