Southern Pacific Railroad Yards

"Can I go above and beyond and call the placement for #189 as the most ridiculous idea I've come across on my campaign? How could the SHPO honestly think this was an accessible-friendly location? For such an important marker symbolizing the City of Sparks you'd think the SHPO would've been a bit more decisive. What about the railroad yards just a bit down the road? Or Victorian Circle? An affable stance in front of a modern-day 7-Eleven just doesn't cut it. #189 conquered." -- September 2007

[189]       

SE corner of Victorian Ave and Pyramid Way (SR 445) -- Sparks

Reno & Washoe County
  39.534690, -119.752720

Original Date Visited: 9/23/07
Revisited: 10/14/22
Signed: No

Notes: The city of Sparks has really done a great job with this intersection. In 2016, the city completed this railroad themed park centering around Marker 189. However, this is still one of the peskiest placements in the entire system due to the lack of immediate parking at this intersection. A better placement for this one would've been the original railyard just south of here on Pyramid Way. So, to get to this one, you need to cross this busy intersection on foot.

Do yourself a favor and avoid parking at the 7-Eleven across the street! The parking issue is strictly enforced here by Sparks Police so don't risk it. Instead, park at Victorian Square or Railroad Park and make the short walk across Pyramid Way. This will allow you an easy three-for-one marker conquering in one go, combining things with - 29- Chinese in Nevada and - 169- Glendale School.

Street View

Here's what you'll see!

Exact Description:
Soon after 1900, some 373 miles of the original Central Pacific (now Southern Pacific) line between Reno and Ogden, Utah, was rebuilt. The work involved shortening of the line in some places. One such change took Wadsworth (Nevada), a division terminal, off the main line. During the summer of 1904 the terminal was moved to this location, which became the town of Sparks.

A huge 40-stall locomotive roundhouse was dismantled in 1959.

Still standing are the machine and erecting shops.

Had it not been for the railroad yards being moved here, the City of Sparks would not exist.

The park-like setting for Marker 189.

Sparks Railroad Yards

Interstate 80 Roadtrip
 COVERED IN MY I-80 ROAD TRIP

Next Marker

ORIGINAL HOMESITE OF "POP" SQUIRES

Related Links & Markers:

 - 68 - Wadsworth   - 88 - Sparks 

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