Nevada Historical Marker #128

On the way to the first day of the Petersen Shoot-out golf tournament in Reno in April, I stopped at two Nevada historical markers: The Great Train Robbery [#128] and Verdi [#191].

The Great Train Robbery
Nevada Historical Marker #128
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This marker is located at the intersection of Bridge Street and South Verdi Road, Verdi, Nevada. There are 41 other historical markers in Washoe County. The GPS coordinates for this location are N 39° 31.047 W 119° 59.307.

You can log your visit to this landmark at waymark.com.

The West's first train robbery occurred near this site on the night of November 4, 1870. Five men, led by a stage robber, Sunday School superintendent John Chapman, boarded the Central Pacific Overland Express at Verdi, Nevada. Two took over the engine, one the express car, and two the rear platform. One-half mile east, the engine and express car were halted and cut free, then proceeded about five miles, where they were stopped by a barricade. Here the robbers forced the messenger to open up. Seizing $41,600 in gold coin, they rode off. The uncoupled cars coasted downgrade and met the engine. The train proceeded to Reno. After a two-state chase, all were caught, tried and convicted. About 90 per cent of the gold was recovered.