Constructing Snow Sheds, Sierra Nevada Mountains, 1870

01

Artifact Overview

The Central Pacific Railroad crossed the Sierra Nevada Mountains through Donner Pass, some 7,000 feet above sea level. Winter snows -- up to 40 feet in a season -- were a menace, first to the railroad's construction and then to its operation. CP dealt with the problem by building some 40 miles of sheds to protect its track from snowfalls and snowslides.

Artifact Details

Artifact

Print (Visual work)

Date Made

1870

Location

Not on exhibit to the public.

Object ID

82.129.645

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford.

Material

Paper (Fiber product)

Technique

Wood engraving (Process)

Dimensions

Height: 6.625 in
Width: 4.938 in

Constructing Snow Sheds, Sierra Nevada Mountains, 1870