Seventeen Circles Down the Mountain on Nevada's Virginia & Truckee Railroad

Seventeen Circles Down the Mountain on Nevada's Virginia & Truckee Railroad

From Nevada Yesterdays by Michael Green

November 3, 2025 · 7 min

About this episode

This episode explores the history and significance of Nevada's Virginia and Truckee Railroad, highlighting its construction and unique features.

The story of Nevada's Virginia and Truckee Railroad, built in 1869 to transport Comstock silver. Learn how financier William Sharon bluffed counties into funding "the crookedest railroad in the world," featuring 17 circles down the mountain.

Topics covered

  • Virginia and Truckee Railroad
  • Comstock silver
  • Nevada history

Keywords

  • William Sharon
  • crooked railroad
  • transportation

Mentioned in this episode

Places: Nevada

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