Building the Railroad at Cape Horn

The history of building the railroad at Cape Horn will be presented by Jack Duncan at our next quarterly meeting on May 19. Jack Duncan will explain how the excavation was done; how tracks were added, moved, and reinforced as rail traffic increased and engine weight increased from 70 tons to 250.

He will also discuss the widespread stories about Chinese laborers being lowered over cliffs in bosun chairs and wicker baskets—stories that he has extensively researched and concluded are not true.

Jack Duncan is the author of “A Study of Cape Horn Construction on the Central Pacific Railroad 1865-1866” (2005) and other books.

There is no charge to attend. The meeting is open to all CAHS members and to the public. Visitors and guests are welcome. Come early to enjoy refreshments and visit with everyone before the meeting starts. As always, we will be in the Meeting Room of the Colfax Passenger Depot, 99 Railroad Street, Colfax, California.