Historical Markers of Washoe County & Reno


Nevada Landmarks Home Page

*HM 248*


-- Virginia & Truckee Railroad Right of Way --


Location: Reno, S of Downtown
Directions: Along S. Center St, 0.1 mile N of Virginia St.
--- Access from S. Virginia Street then cross Holcomb Ave ---

Location: 1
Visibility: 3
Accessibility: 4
Marker type: Metal
   

Date Conquered: 9/23/07
Nearest Intersection: Virginia St.
Quick Description: A marker commemorating the V&T Railroad and a specific spot on the railroad line.
Signed: No -- Historically, this marker was never signed.

NOTES: Like so many other markers in Reno, this marker is NOT SIGNED. To make it worse, finding #248 is nearly impossible if you make a wrong turn. Read this very carefully to avoid the four doublebacks I had to make to conquer this pesky marker! From S. Virginia, you will find two immediate intersections in which you have less than a second to react. Be sure to stick to the left onto S. Center, NOT HOLCOMB AVE. You cannot see the marker from Holcomb Ave and once you pass it, it's a long detour back to your starting point because these are one-way streets!
You must be on S. Center to see this marker.


This is what's left of the V&T Railroad found in Reno. My applause goes to the city for proudly displaying such a fine piece of history.

Full Description:
Exact description as reads...

Soon after Chinese laborers graded this section during the summer of 1871, track gangs commenced laying rail south, reaching Steamboat Springs by late October. To celebrate the occasion, numerous residents rode an excursion train to Steamboat on Nov. 7. Nine months later Superintendent Henry M. Yerington drove the last spike a mile west of Carson City on Aug. 24, 1872, connecting Virginia City with Reno by rail. Although regularly scheduled passenger service didn't begin until Oct. 1, the first through train traversed the 52-mile route on Sept. 1, 1872--the last steamed by here on May 31, 1950.

The street above is Holcomb Ave. Kudos to the City of Reno for making this cozy little park.

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