Historical Markers of Washoe County & Reno


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*HM 128*


-- The Great Train Robbery --

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 ---

Location: 1
Visibility: 2
Accessibility: 2
Marker type: St (M)
   

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 marker can be tricky if you're trying to find it from Verdi's main street. Since most of you will be coming from Reno, finding this marker is easiest by exiting the Interstate at Exit 3 and turning right toward "Verdi". Bridge Street and #128 are just up ahead (1/4 mile) on the left.

[An alternative to finding #128 is to follow Old US 40 (3rd Street) from Exit 5 all the way to Bridge Street. Make a left and you'll find the marker right across the railroad tracks.]

Full Description:
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.

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