Emigrant trains

From: "Ken Kramer" kdlogger@tdn.com

I am hoping you can help me find more information about [emigrant trains].

I am researching my husband's family, and according to a 1906 obituary they first came to Washington State in 1873. The obituary simply said they came across the country in 1873 first to San Francisco and then immediately on to Washington. They came from Iowa. I recently read a very short article that talked about the emigrant trains and I think the Davolt family probably traveled west on the train.

So far I have found just bits and pieces talking about these trains. I have become quite interested in finding out more about the history of this form of traveling west. We are so use to hearing about the wagon trains but I have never before heard of families coming west by train. Do you know where I can find more information on the emigrant trains?

—Sandy Kramer, Longview, Washington