Historical Markers of Washoe County & Reno
Location: Western Washoe County, Verdi Directions: At the intersection of Bridge St and S. Verdi Road (Access via 3rd Street/Old US 40 (SR 425) or Exit 3 from I-80)
N 39° 31.047 W 119° 59.307
Date Conquered: 8/14/07 Quick Description: A unique marker remembering the first train robbery ever recorded in the American West. Signed: Yes -- Historically, this marker was signed on both lanes of Old US 40. No signs exist today. NOTES: This small marker can be a challenge to find, especially for those of you not familiar with Verdi's peculiar street configuration. Since most of you will be coming from Reno, finding this marker will be easiest by exiting I-80 at Exit 3. From the off-ramp, turn right toward "Verdi." Bridge Street and [128] The Great Train Robbery are just up ahead (1/4 mile) on the left. * You can also find [128] by following Old US 40 (3rd Street) from Exit 5 all the way to Bridge Street. Make a left at Bridge Street, cross over the railroad tracks, and find the marker awaiting your arrival at the intersection. Full Description: Exact desription as reads ... The West's first train robbery occurred near this site on the night of November 4, 1870. Five men, led by a stage robber, Sunday School superintendent John Chapman, boarded the Central Pacific Overland Express at Verdi, Nevada. Two took over the engine, one the express car, and two the rear platform. One-half mile east, the engine and express car were halted and cut free, then proceeded about five miles, where they were stopped by a barricade. Here the robbers forced the messenger to open up. Seizing $41,600 in gold coin, they rode off. The uncoupled cars coasted downgrade and met the engine. The train proceeded to Reno. After a two-state chase, all were caught, tried and convicted. About 90 per cent of the gold was recovered. This quiet neighborhood was the site of the first-ever train robbery that occurred in the American West.
NOTES: This small marker can be a challenge to find, especially for those of you not familiar with Verdi's peculiar street configuration. Since most of you will be coming from Reno, finding this marker will be easiest by exiting I-80 at Exit 3. From the off-ramp, turn right toward "Verdi." Bridge Street and [128] The Great Train Robbery are just up ahead (1/4 mile) on the left. * You can also find [128] by following Old US 40 (3rd Street) from Exit 5 all the way to Bridge Street. Make a left at Bridge Street, cross over the railroad tracks, and find the marker awaiting your arrival at the intersection. Full Description: Exact desription as reads ... The West's first train robbery occurred near this site on the night of November 4, 1870. Five men, led by a stage robber, Sunday School superintendent John Chapman, boarded the Central Pacific Overland Express at Verdi, Nevada. Two took over the engine, one the express car, and two the rear platform. One-half mile east, the engine and express car were halted and cut free, then proceeded about five miles, where they were stopped by a barricade. Here the robbers forced the messenger to open up. Seizing $41,600 in gold coin, they rode off. The uncoupled cars coasted downgrade and met the engine. The train proceeded to Reno. After a two-state chase, all were caught, tried and convicted. About 90 per cent of the gold was recovered. This quiet neighborhood was the site of the first-ever train robbery that occurred in the American West.
* You can also find [128] by following Old US 40 (3rd Street) from Exit 5 all the way to Bridge Street. Make a left at Bridge Street, cross over the railroad tracks, and find the marker awaiting your arrival at the intersection. Full Description: Exact desription as reads ... The West's first train robbery occurred near this site on the night of November 4, 1870. Five men, led by a stage robber, Sunday School superintendent John Chapman, boarded the Central Pacific Overland Express at Verdi, Nevada. Two took over the engine, one the express car, and two the rear platform. One-half mile east, the engine and express car were halted and cut free, then proceeded about five miles, where they were stopped by a barricade. Here the robbers forced the messenger to open up. Seizing $41,600 in gold coin, they rode off. The uncoupled cars coasted downgrade and met the engine. The train proceeded to Reno. After a two-state chase, all were caught, tried and convicted. About 90 per cent of the gold was recovered. This quiet neighborhood was the site of the first-ever train robbery that occurred in the American West.
Full Description: Exact desription as reads ... The West's first train robbery occurred near this site on the night of November 4, 1870. Five men, led by a stage robber, Sunday School superintendent John Chapman, boarded the Central Pacific Overland Express at Verdi, Nevada. Two took over the engine, one the express car, and two the rear platform. One-half mile east, the engine and express car were halted and cut free, then proceeded about five miles, where they were stopped by a barricade. Here the robbers forced the messenger to open up. Seizing $41,600 in gold coin, they rode off. The uncoupled cars coasted downgrade and met the engine. The train proceeded to Reno. After a two-state chase, all were caught, tried and convicted. About 90 per cent of the gold was recovered. This quiet neighborhood was the site of the first-ever train robbery that occurred in the American West.
The West's first train robbery occurred near this site on the night of November 4, 1870. Five men, led by a stage robber, Sunday School superintendent John Chapman, boarded the Central Pacific Overland Express at Verdi, Nevada. Two took over the engine, one the express car, and two the rear platform. One-half mile east, the engine and express car were halted and cut free, then proceeded about five miles, where they were stopped by a barricade. Here the robbers forced the messenger to open up. Seizing $41,600 in gold coin, they rode off. The uncoupled cars coasted downgrade and met the engine. The train proceeded to Reno. After a two-state chase, all were caught, tried and convicted. About 90 per cent of the gold was recovered. This quiet neighborhood was the site of the first-ever train robbery that occurred in the American West.
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