The Railroad

Early Development

During the first 3 years of operations at the Black Canyon Mine, ore was taken to smelters beyond Black Canyon by horse and cart. In 1892, BS decided a railroad was required connecting to the San Francisco & North Pacific RR a few miles away. By late 1893 the railroad was transporting gold ore to smelters owned by BS, 5 miles from Black Canyon.

The Railroad Today

The railroad continues to transport gold ore and also serves newer ventures like BS Liquors & BS Livestock. An engine house services locomotives and cars. A fleet of Moguls are the work horse of the railroad and really the only locomotives needed but that has not stopped BS acquiring other types of locomotives including a Shay & Climax. (BS has yet to convince the Baroness that those investments were necessary!) Rolling stock includes Gondolas to transport gold ore out and coal in; box cars for meat & liquor; livestock cars; flatcars for timber and general supplies.

Passenger cars have been acquired to serve Red Rock City, the ‘company’ town developed by BS. They take workers to/from Red Rock City and the Black Canyon Mine, the BS Liquors distillery, the gold ore smelters, and grazing areas of BS Livestock. Passengers cars also bring visitors to Black Canyon who must arrive by rail.