Tag Archives: Locomotives
On the Railroad 150 Years Ago
Ulysses S. Grant was inaugurated as the 18th President of the United States on March 4, 1869. His first executive order, released later that evening, directed the suspension of the issuance of further subsidy bonds to the Union Pacific and … Continue reading
On the Railroad 150 Years Ago
In February 1869, both the Union Pacific Railroad and the Central Pacific Railroad were stymied in their race to be first to Ogden, Utah, by fierce snowstorms. In Wyoming, the Union Pacific’s 90-mile line between Rawlins Springs and Laramie was … Continue reading
The “Shrine”
My sister, Suzanne Fisher, of Farmington, New Mexico, recently presented me with a framed photograph taken by Philip Boden, of Durango, Colorado, entitled “Baldwin-K36 Class Steam Locomotive.” This photo is of Engine 486 working on the Durango & Silverton Narrow … Continue reading
On the Railroad 150 Years Ago
In September 1868 both the Union Pacific and Central Pacific had departed the high mountains and were building across relatively level but difficult terrain. In Wyoming, the UP worked to cross the Red Desert between the two continental divides—one west … Continue reading
Big Eight-O
This past week I celebrated my eightieth birthday. Many folks sent their good wishes. I extend my thanks to each of you. I want to share a couple of photos from my birthday dinner at Hank’s Fine Steaks & Martinis … Continue reading
Return of the Original Header
Now that I had a little fun with the header depicting the driving of the golden spike, I’ve decided to return to the original header. The locomotive charging down the tracks better symbolizes the entire sweep of The Iron Horse … Continue reading
The Iron Horse Chronicles Trilogy Complete
The Iron Horse Chronicles trilogy is complete. I have received finished, hard-bound copies of the third book, Golden Spike. Five Star Publishing will release the book officially on July 19, 2017. As usual, they have produced a first-class product. I … Continue reading
Union Pacific’s “Great Race to Promontory” Website
The Union Pacific Railroad has produced a website entitled “Great Race to Promontory” as part of their extensive celebration of the completion of the first transcontinental railroad nearly one hundred fifty years ago. Here is a link to the site: … Continue reading
Trilogy Approaching Completion
With the Iron Horse Chronicles trilogy approaching completion, I have changed the header on this website. For the past couple of years, Union Pacific’s Engine 119 has been approaching Promontory Summit in Utah from a distance. On July 19, 2017, Golden … Continue reading
The First Wild West Show
The first wild west show was a complete surprise to its audience. The incentive for staging that performance was not to sell theatrical tickets. The show was gratuitous. It was a celebration for having won a race—the first race in … Continue reading