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  • | Letter

    Letter from Claudius Crozet to the President and Directors of the Blue Ridge Railroad Co., May 6, 1850

    Claudius Crozet keeps the Board informed of the project's progress on the Blue Ridge and measures that progress in numbers of "hands" employed and the amount of rock and earth moved.

  • | Annual report

    Annual Report to the President and Directors of the Board of Public Works, 1850

    When proposed and the first efforts made in 1850, the Blue Ridge Tunnel was to be the longest tunnel in North America. Claudius Crozet, as chief engineer, warns his Board of Public Works against comparing its progress with other tunnels. The condition of the rock and the scale of the project were different and unprecedented, respectively. Crozet tries to educate the Board on the nature of the project.

  • | Letter

    Letter from Claudius Crozet to the President and Directors of Public Works, November 15, 1850

    Claudius Crozet reports on his disagreement with the Tunnel's general contractor.

  • | Letter

    Quarterly Report

    In one of the first reports to the Board, Claudius Crozet explains the dangerous conditions in the construction and advises against using sink shafts on the project. Crozet refers to Col. Randolph, probably Thomas Jefferson Randolph, grandson of Thomas Jefferson and contractor of slaves to the project.

  • | Broadsides

    Broadside Publicizing the Town of Nevin, Iowa, April 15, 1856

    This April 15, 1856 broadside details the benefits of the "New England Colony of Iowa," in the town of Nevin. This community, "consisting of persons from the New England States," has two railroads, a school, a hotel, and, of course, tracts of land and town lots for sale.

  • | Letter

    Letter from John M. Newton to John B. Kellogg and John McConihe, December 27, 1856

    In this December 27, 1856 letter, John M. Newton writes to John B. Kellogg and John McConihe about their land claims in Nebraska. He notes that the leading men of the area have petitioned Washington to open the Land Claims Office so that land can officially be purchased. He assures Kellogg and McConihe that their claims are safe from claim jumpers because the snow has been two feet deep, the roads impassable, and the temperatures 16-20 degrees below zero for the past month (unsurprisingly, he views the lack of timber as a serious downside to the land). Newton assures the other two men that their land claims are an excellent investment, and predicts rapid settlement of the region once land is officially available and the weather clears.

  • | Letter

    Letter from Samuel B. Reed to Jennie Reed, September 21, 1860

    In this letter from September 21, 1860, Samuel Reed writes to his wife informing her that he has arrived in Cairo, Illinois. He notes the poor state of crops there and offers a brief description of the landscape, characterizing it as "the most forbiding looking place I have seen in the west." He tells her that he and John R. Boyle will travel to Memphis by railroad that morning, and then proceed to Vicksburg, Mississippi by river.

  • | Letter

    Letter from Samuel B. Reed to Jennie Reed, July 27, 1862

    In this letter from July 27, 1862, Samuel Reed writes to his wife from Ottumwa, Iowa describing the difficulties of running lines through the "rough and brushy country" of the state with a party of eight men who are "entirely unused to the business." He writes that he hopes conditions will be more favorable further from the Des Moines River or else the work will last into the winter. Reed states that were it "not for the few dollars I can make here more than on the farm I should be tempted to take the first train for Illinois and bid farewell to Rail Roading."

  • | Letter

    Letter from Samuel B. Reed to Jennie Reed, October 5, 1862

    In this letter from October 5, 1862, Samuel Reed writes to his wife describing the difficulties his party has encountered surveying land in Melrose, Iowa. He writes that two of his men were badly wounded "by cuts with an axe," a creek in the valley has been nearly impassable, the food has become tiresome, and his party experienced a severe rainstorm. He also notes that Mr. Thielsen has informed him of a possible change in the supervision of the railroad and would like Reed to stay on as his engineer if the change does occur. Reed tells his wife that nothing is certain yet and that she should "say nothing about it until more is known."

  • | Letter

    Letter from Samuel B. Reed to Jennie Reed, December 14, 1862

    In this letter from December 14, 1862, Samuel Reed writes to his wife that he hopes to return home for a visit for Christmas, but not to be disappointed if business prevents him from doing so. He states that the weather in Burlington, Iowa has been warm enough for the river steamboats to "run as well as in mid summer if there was business for them." Reed also writes of his worries over the progress of the war. Lower right corner (lower left on verso) is torn off.

  • Letter from Erastus H. Reed, January 25, 1863

    In this letter from January 25, 1863, Erastus H. Reed, one of the enlisted brothers of Samuel Reed, writes home chastising his family for not answering his letters. He offers some details regarding the first fight his regiment engaged in and the damage it caused to the land, comparing the destruction it wrought to that of the tornado which hit Camanche, Iowa in 1860. He states that the things he saw made his "blood run cold" and believes that "if the feelings of officers & men wer consulted" the war would quickly be brought to an end, but ultimately the fate of the soldiers rests in the hands of "a few politicians at Washington."

  • Letter from Samuel B. Reed to Jennie Reed, December 13, 1863

    In this letter from December 13, 1863, Samuel Reed writes to his wife discussing the new position of their friend Danforth H. Ainsworth on the Mississippi and Missouri Railroad. Reed also asks his wife to get a certificate verifying that his name is on the draft enlistment rolls in Joliet, Illinois, as he needs it to have his name removed from the list of first class draftees in Burlington, Iowa. His believes that, as he was not 45 years old when the draft was initially ordered, his name will have to remain on the list of second class draftees in Joliet, but does not believe it likely that "the draft will affect both classes" and tells his wife not to be anxious.

  • Letter from Peter A. Dey to Samuel B. Reed, April 25, 1864

    In this letter from April 25, 1864, Peter A. Dey, Chief Engineer for the Union Pacific Railroad, writes to Samuel Reed informing him that the Board of Directors has assigned him to survey the land between the Great Salt Lake Valley and Green River in Utah. He states that "President [Brigham] Young has volunteered to furnish you party and transportation for your work." Dey gives detailed descriptions of the areas through which the line will most likely have to be run, telling Reed that "it will be safe to sacrifice distance and straight lines to cost of construction."

  • | Letter

    Letter from Samuel B. Reed to Wife and Family, May 21, 1864

    In this letter from May 21, 1864, Samuel Reed writes to his wife and family describing his travel from Atchison, Kansas to Salt Lake City. He spent thirteen days and nights on the stage coach with nine other passengers and describes the weather and terrain he encountered.

  • | Letter

    Letter from Samuel B. Reed to Wife and Family, June 18, 1864

    In this letter from June 18, 1864, Samuel Reed writes to his wife and family detailing the difficulty of the terrain. In three weeks he has only surveyed 24 miles. Reed also notes the pleasant climate, comments on the price of gold, and describes a few of the men in his party.

  • | Letter

    Letter from Samuel B. Reed to Wife and Family, June 26, 1864

    In this letter from June 26, 1864, Samuel Reed writes to his wife and family describing his hard work over the previous week. Reed also mentions the recent change in his diet, as he caught two brook trout and another member of the party shot an antelope.

  • | Letter

    Letter from Samuel B. Reed to Wife and Family, July 3, 1864

    In this letter from July 3, 1864, Samuel Reed writes to his wife and family describing his interactions with a small band of Utah Indians and their Chief, Sandpitz. The Indians are friendly, but in Reed's estimation, "are the greatest beggars imaginable." He also notes the progress of his survey, which is over difficult terrain, and expresses his fear that the entire party will strike for higher wages.

  • | Letter

    Letter from Samuel B. Reed to Wife and Family, August 2, 1864

    In this letter from August 2, 1864, Samuel Reed writes to his wife and family describing his three-day scouting trip. After his teamsters returned with provisions, Reed left and quickly encountered a barren desert and desolate mountains. He also notes recent Indian activity 80-100 miles northeast of their party.

  • | Letter

    Letter from Samuel B. Reed to Wife and Family, November 17, 1864

    In this short letter from November 17, 1864, Samuel Reed writes to his wife and family describing the wind and cold he endured during a 20-day stagecoach ride from Salt Lake City.

  • | Letter

    Letter from Peter A. Dey to Samuel B. Reed, December 10, 1864

    In this letter from December 10, 1864, Peter A. Dey, Chief Engineer for the Union Pacific Railroad, writes to Samuel Reed describing the way in which Reed should prepare his survey report for the Railroad's directors. Dey also mentions that Reed has his full support and that he (Dey) voiced this sentiment to members of the Board.

  • | Annual report

    Report from Division Engineer Samuel B. Reed to Chief Engineer Peter A. Dey Describing Survey from Green River to Salt Lake City, December 24, 1864

    In this December 24, 1864 report, Samuel B. Reed describes his surveys and explorations of the land from Green River, Utah to Salt Lake City. He gives his recommendations for the route of the Union Pacific Railroad line, including the availability of timber for railroad ties and coal to power the locomotives.

  • | Letter

    Letter from Samuel B. Reed to Wife and Family, January 13, 1865

    In this short letter from January 13, 1865, Samuel Reed writes to his wife and family describing his work schedule and informs them that he hopes to head west again before March 1.

  • | Letter

    Letter from Samuel B. Reed to Thomas C. Durant, March 1865

    In this letter from March of 1865, Samuel Reed writes to Thomas C. Durant, Vice President of the Union Pacific Railroad, submitting a list of the men he will need for a work party he will take with him to make surveys in the mountains of the Utah Territory. He notes that "if the line is run South of the Unitas and East of Green River a military escort will be necessary for the safty of the party."

  • | Letter

    Letter from Mary C.E. to Jennie Reed, March 26, 1865

    In this letter from March 26, 1865, Mary C.E. writes to Jennie Reed, wife of Samuel Reed, describing flooding which has damaged the local railroad and bridges, preventing mail from getting through. She discusses the drafting of a family member, who has not yet received his notice and may therefore avoid having to report for duty. She also notes that an acquaintance died sixteen days after receiving a wound to the ankle in the war, and that his family did not learn of his death for two weeks.

  • | Letter

    Letter from Artemus J. Mathewson to Samuel B. Reed, April 12, 1865

    In this letter from April 12, 1865, Artemus J. Mathewson writes to Samuel Reed following a return from a trip to New York . He states that "the committees had not met and dissolved and others had met & they were meeting nearly every day." He discusses some survey maps and profiles he presented to them and repeatedly asks Reed come visit him, seeming anxious to discuss the matter in person. Mathewson rewrote and extended this letter the next day.

  • | Letter

    Letter from Artemus J. Mathewson to Samuel B. Reed, April 13, 1865

    In this letter from April 13, 1865, Artemus J. Mathewson writes to Samuel Reed describing a taxing visit to New York , during which he was required to draw and shade profiles of the work done on the railroad the previous summer in the mountains of Utah. He notes that he repaired some of Reed's survey tools, and asks Reed to write a letter on his behalf to Thomas C. Durant requesting reimbursement for the "expense of the luxury" of room and board Mathewson incurred during his illness in Utah. He tells Reed he is uncertain that he will be able to accompany him "out on that miserable desert" for the next season's work.

  • | Letter

    Letter from Samuel B. Reed to Wife and Family, April 20, 1865

    In this letter from April 20, 1865, Samuel Reed writes to his wife and family describing the difficulty of traveling by stagecoach and mentions that he heard the news of President Abraham Lincoln's assassination. Reed notes that their party was the first to inform many people of the President's death. He also describes a memorial service in Omaha, NE.

  • | Letter

    Letter from Samuel B. Reed to Wife and Family, May 14, 1865

    In this short letter from May 14, 1865, Samuel Reed writes to his wife and family describing his arrangements to leave Omaha at 8:00 p.m. that evening with two assistants. His bill for the stage is an exorbitant $1,200.

  • | Letter

    Letter from Samuel B. Reed to Wife and Family, May 21, 1865

    In this letter from May 21, 1865, Samuel Reed writes to his wife and family noting their arrival in Denver after a week-long stagecoach ride. Reed notes the ample evidence of Indian attacks along the route.

  • | Letter

    Letter from Samuel B. Reed to Wife and Family, June 4, 1865

    In this letter from June 4, 1865, Samuel Reed writes to his wife and family describing his preparations to start another survey the following morning. Reed outlines his potential route and notes the inexperience of his crew, as most of his previous group found other employment. He also details an upcoming Indian gathering, featuring all of the tribes in the vicinity of Salt Lake and Brigham Young.

  • | Letter

    Letter from Artemus J. Mathewson to Samuel B. Reed, July 22, 1865

    In this letter from July 22, 1865, Artemus J. Mathewson writes to Samuel Reed discussing his work on the railroad "in cutting out the deep cut from Chi. to Lockport." He states that he has not yet received a reply from Thomas C. Durant, Vice President of the Union Pacific Railroad, regarding reimbursement for extra expenses he incurred after becoming sick while working on the railroad in Utah the previous season. Mathewson also reminisces about the time he and Reed spent together working on the railroad and describes the land they traveled over in great detail.

  • | Letter

    Letter from Artemus J. Mathewson to Samuel B. Reed, August 27, 1865

    In this letter from August 27, 1865, Artemus J. Mathewson writes to Samuel Reed discussing the advantages and disadvantages of running a railroad line through various areas in the mountains and valleys of Utah. He states that he has been reading the reports of Captain Howard Stansbury, who led an expedition in 1849 to survey and map the valley of the Great Salt Lake, and tells Reed "your operations last year and this will give more of real value - and mayhap twice that amt than Stansbury's whole operations." Mathewson also notes the increase in Indian hostility both on the plains and in the mountains. He tells Reed, "like you, I think you have been lucky to keep your scalp."

  • | Letter

    Letter from Samuel B. Reed to T. C. Durant, November 1, 1865

    In this letter from November 1, 1865, Samuel Reed writes to Thomas C. Durant, Vice President of the Union Pacific Railroad, describing his work surveying a line from Salt Lake City to the Humboldt River Valley in Nevada.

  • | Annual report

    Report of Division Engineer Samuel B. Reed: Surveys Made on Pacific Slope for the Union Pacific Railroad, 1865

    In this January 31, 1866 report, Samuel B. Reed describes his surveys and explorations of the land from Salt Lake City, Utah to the California state line. He gives his recommendations for the route of the Union Pacific Railroad and suggests building the line from West to East (rather than from East to West), due to timber availability. He further suggests that subsequent survey crews should use camels, rather than horses or mules, due to the lack of water on a good portion of the route.

  • | Letter

    Letter from Samuel B. Reed to Wife and Family, August 16, 1866

    In this letter from August 16, 1866, Samuel Reed writes to his wife and family describing the heat and lack of rainfall. Reed notes that no rain has fallen in Omaha for more than six weeks. He also mentions an upcoming party for Lieutenant General Sherman in which Reed has been invited to attend.

  • | Letter

    Letter from Samuel B. Reed to Wife and Family, September 23, 1866

    In this letter from September 23, 1866, Samuel Reed writes to his wife and family describing an upcoming visit by Thomas C. Durant, Vice-President of the Union Pacific Railroad. Reed also notes that he plans to go west soon and will be gone for most of the week, which he hopes will be his last trip for the season.

  • Report from Samuel B. Reed to Oliver Ames, 1867

    In this copy of a report from 1867, Samuel Reed writes to Oliver Ames, President of the Union Pacific Railroad, detailing the progress of the railroad's construction over the past year. He describes the totality of the work that has been done on the railroad from October 1, 1866 to September 1, 1867, giving very specific accounts of the miles of track laid, telegraph lines built, railroad ties used, bridges constructed, amount of earth and rock excavated during grading, and the like. He also discusses the great difficulty he has had in obtaining ties for the railroad, particularly from the Black Hills and in the area of Laurence Fork, Nebraska. He writes that there have been "serious delays in grading and in furnishing ties caused by the decided hostility of the Indians, our grading men have been frequently attacked, some men have been killed and a large amount of stock lost." Reed also includes an account of the materials on hand as of September 1, 1867.

  • | Letter

    Letter from Samuel B. Reed to Wife and Family, February 26, 1867

    In this letter from February 26, 1867, Samuel Reed writes to his wife and family in Illinois describing the recent delay in mail service due to a severe winter storm stopping traffic on the Chicago and Northwestern Railroad.

  • | Letter

    Letter from Samuel B. Reed to Wife and Family, March 25, 1867

    In this letter from March 25, 1867, Samuel Reed writes to his wife and family describing the effects of another severe winter storm in Nebraska. He mentions that he has six locomotives on the east side of the frozen Missouri River and "would not hesitate to cross them on the ice if we needed their services."

  • | Letter

    Letter from Samuel B. Reed to Wife and Family, March 27, 1867

    In this letter from March 27, 1867, Samuel Reed writes to his wife and family describing the difficulty of clearing the tracks of snow. He expects that the storm will destroy some bridges.

  • | Letter

    Letter from Samuel B. Reed to Wife and Family, April 2, 1867

    In this letter from April 2, 1867, Samuel Reed writes to his wife and family describing contracts with Boyd & Reed and I. H. Lacy to construct ten miles of road each. Upon completion of their contracts, the Union Pacific Railroad will reach 400 miles, or 25 miles west of Julesburg, Colorado.

  • | Letter

    Letter from Samuel B. Reed to Wife and Family, April 5, 1867

    In this letter from April 5, 1867, Samuel Reed writes to his wife and family describing the expected arrival of Union Pacific Vice-President Thomas Durant. Reed also notes an attempt by a representative of Ames & Company to overhaul the construction department's books and vouchers.

  • | Letter

    Letter from Samuel B. Reed to Wife and Family, April 18, 1867

    In this letter from April 18, 1867, Samuel Reed writes to his wife and family describing a trip to the western end of the line. He details his attempts to "put the road in order" following a recent flood of the Platte River and its tributaries. Reed laments that it will cost above $50,000 and be "ten or twelve days before I can get a train over the road."

  • | Letter

    Letter from Samuel B. Reed to Wife and Family, April 19, 1867

    In this letter from April 19, 1867, Samuel Reed writes to his wife and family describing the recent flooding on the Platte River and his attempts to get the road repaired by the following week, when the Union Pacific's executive committee will arrive to inspect it.

  • | Letter

    Letter from Samuel B. Reed to Wife and Family, April 25, 1867

    In this letter from April 25, 1867, Samuel Reed writes to his wife and family with mixed feelings, noting that the first train in ten days has passed over the road, but that a "large amount" of work still needs to be done to get the road in "good order."

  • | Letter

    Letter from Samuel B. Reed to Wife and Family, April 27, 1867

    In this letter from April 27, 1867, Samuel Reed writes to his wife and family describing his feelings about the hard work he has done getting the road repaired and putting trains back on their regularly scheduled runs.

  • Letter from Grenville M. Dodge to Oliver Ames, December 11, 1867

    In this letter from December 11, 1867, Grenville Dodge writes to Oliver Ames discussing the need to make preparations and increase facilities for getting water along the railroad line. He tells Ames that unless such work is done, "you will find that it will be very costly to supply it each year from Stations or tanks."

  • | Letter

    Letter from Samuel B. Reed to Wife and Family, February 27, 1869

    In this letter from February 27, 1869, Samuel Reed writes to his wife and family describing the progress of the Union Pacific Railroad. He notes that workers have laid track past Devil's Gate and that grading is finished for forty miles ahead of that point. Reed is pleased that the work is "moving smoothly," but he is "sick and tired of the hurry and hustle attendant upon so much business." Following Reed's letter is a note from the compiler, giving a flattering, if not entirely accurate, picture of the Union Pacific's construction.

  • | Illustration

    The Union Pacific Railroad—Scene at Weber Canon, Utah

    This image from the February 27, 1869 issue of Harper's Weekly shows Weber Canon, Utah as seen from the Union Pacific Railroad.

  • | Newspaper

    Account of the "Golden Spike" Ceremony, Promontory Point, UT on May 10, 1869

    This account of the "Golden Spike" ceremony at Promontory Point, Utah on May 10, 1869, as printed in the May 11th edition of the Salt Lake Telegram, describes the festivities involved and lists some of the important attendees. Following the article, the compiler offers a one-sided picture of the situation regarding pay for the Union Pacific's construction crews and details Samuel Reed's actions after the ceremony.

  • | Illustration

    Snow Sheds Covered With Snow

    This image from the February 10, 1872 issue of Harper's Weekly depicts snow sheds on the Central Pacific Railroad.

  • | Illustration

    The Snow Plow Clearing the Way

    This image from the February 10, 1872 issue of Harper's Weekly depicts a snow plow on the Central Pacific Railroad.

  • | Letter

    Letter from Frank C. Bunley to George P. Cather, May 11, 1878

    On May 11, 1878 Frank C. Bunley solicits advice on a potential land purchase in Nebraska from George P. Cather. He also inquires about the proximity of the railroad to Cather's land.

  • | Letter

    Letter from N. T. Waters to George P. Cather, October 23, 1878

    The October 23, 1878 letter from N.T. Waters in Illinois to George P. Cather requests information about available land in Webster County, Nebraska. Waters' primary concern is that the land contains a stream with drinkable water, and asks specifically about sections of land seen on a land map provided by the railroad.

  • | Letter

    Letter from D. F. Vanniss to George P. Cather, December 23, 1878

    On December 23, 1878 D.F. Vanniss informs George P. Cather of a death in his family delaying his trip to Nebraska. Vanniss wants to purchase a productive 160 acres of railroad land and asks Cather if he can buy it before he arrives to ensure that it is not sold to someone else. He tells Cather that he plans to make Webster County his new home, and wonders about the possibility of growing fruit in Nebraska-requesting that Cather send him a report of the temperature on New Year's Day.

  • | Letter

    Letter from E. P. Sherwood to George P. Cather, December 21, 1888

    In his December 22, 1888 letter to George P. Cather, E.P. Sherwood writes from London Mills, Illinois about the price of land and the availability of water in Webster County, Nebraska.

  • | Letter

    Letter from D. F. Shipre to George P. Cather, March 3, 1900

    On March 3, 1900, D.F. Shipre of Quickville, Kansas writes to George P. Cather about the possibility of buying or leasing the land adjoining his current property. He estimates the cost at $100-$175 per quarter section (about 160 acres).

  • | Letter

    Letter from D. F. Shipre to George P. Cather, September 23, 1901

    A year and a half after sending his first letter to George P. Cather, D.F. Shipre writes again on in September 1901, to inquire about purchasing or leasing land adjoining his current spread. He tells Cather that he wants the land as pasture for his cattle and estimates paying a higher price for the land than he did in his first letter. Inquiring about Cather's slow response and fearing it is because Cather distrusts land agents, Shipre informs Cather that he is only a farmer and a poor one at that.

  • | Letter

    Letter from Samuel Lincoln to George P. Cather, September 28, 1901

    On September 28, 1901, Samuel Lincoln writes to George P. Cather proposing a buyout of a quarter section of Lincoln's land in Thomas County, Kansas. After assuring Cather that he is not another "land shark", Lincoln also offers to buy Cather's adjoining land if Cather is not interested in buying his. Lincoln feels that he cannot successfully sell or rent such a small parcel of land and that it would be more valuable combined with another holding. The 160 acres of land that originally drew settlers to railroad land as a great opportunity now appeared too small a portion to be of any value on its own.

  • | Letter

    Letter from E. D. Crabb to George P. Cather, March 16, 1923

    On March 16, 1923 E.D. Crabb writes to George P. Cather inquiring about renting a quarter section of his land for two or three years for the purpose of raising winter wheat on it. Crabb, a resident of Colby, Kansas, additionally listed his location as "East View Ranch - Home of Pure Bred Aberdeen-Angus Cattle", indicating an establishment in Kansas. Combined with his request of only renting for a short time, Crabb's request marks a shift from earlier land transactions where owners moved to a new location for the sake of land. Crabb apparently believed he could administrate from afar.

  • | Letter

    Letter from D. F. Jewell to George P. Cather, September 30, 1927

    In his September 20, 1927 letter to George P. Cather, D.F. Jewell asks about the possibility of buying or leasing some of Cather's land or selling or trading his own.