Sparks in Washoe County, Nevada — The American Mountains (Southwest)
Southern Pacific Railroad Yards
Photographed by Alvis Hendley, March 14, 2016
1. Southern Pacific Railroad Yards Marker
Soon after 1900, laborers reworked some 373 miles of the original Central Pacific (now the Southern Pacific) line between Reno and Ogden, Utah. The effort involved shortening of the line in some places. One such change took Wadsworth (Nevada), a division terminal, off the main line. During the summer of 1904, the terminal was moved to this location, which became the town of Sparks.
The railroad dismantled a huge forty-stall locomotive roundhouse in 1959. The machine and erecting shops are still standing.
Had it not been for the railroad yards being moved here, the City of Sparks would not exist.
Original Marker:
Soon after 1900, some 373 miles of the original Central Pacific (now Southern Pacific) line between Reno and Ogden, Utah was rebuilt. The work involved shortening of the line in some places. One such change took Wadsworth (Nevada), a division terminal, off the main line. During the summer of 1904 the terminal was moved to this location, which became the town of Sparks.
A huge 40 stall locomotive roundhouse was dismantled in 1959.
Still standing are the machine and erecting shops.
Had it not been for the railroad yards being moved here, the city of Sparks would not exist.
Erected 1973 by Nevada
this page online
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Railroads & Streetcars. In addition, it is included in the Southern Pacific Railroad series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1900.
Location. 39° 32.081′ N, 119° 45.157′ W. Marker is in Sparks, Nevada, in Washoe County. It is at the intersection of Pyramid Way (Nevada Route 445) and Victorian Ave, on the left when traveling south on Pyramid Way. Located at the southeast corner of Prater Way and Victorian Ave. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Sparks NV 89431, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the Sierra Nevada, in the Lake Tahoe Basin, and in Greater Reno Area. It is also in the American Mountain West. 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 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Chinese in Nevada (within shouting distance of this marker); James C. Lillard Railroad Park History (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Glendale School (1864-1958) (about 600 feet away); The Bank of Sparks (approx. 0.2 miles away); Beckwourth Trail - Over a Sage Plain (approx. half a mile away); Sparks (approx. 0.8 miles away); Glendale School (approx. one mile away); Truckee Trail - Truckee Meadows Ford (approx. 1.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Sparks.
Photographed by Duane Hall, July 3, 2013
2. Original Marker
Photographed by Alvis Hendley, March 14, 2016
3. Southern Pacific Railroad Yards Marker
Photographed by Duane Hall, July 3, 2013
4. Original Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on November 13, 2025. It was originally submitted on August 2, 2013, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas. This page has been viewed 883 times since then and 21 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on April 16, 2016, by Alvis Hendley of San Francisco, California. 2. submitted on August 2, 2013, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas. 3. submitted on April 16, 2016, by Alvis Hendley of San Francisco, California. 4. submitted on August 2, 2013, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas.
