Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Snowsheds at Donner Summit

From: KyleKWyatt@gmail.com

Does anyone know when the Central Pacific Railroad snowsheds were constructed on the east side of Summit Tunnel? Before or after tracks were laid? Timothy O'Sullivan photographed the sheds, but its not clear whether he did it in 1867 or 1868, nor when within whatever year. I'd appreciate any documentation on when the sheds were actually built.

I note I have three O'Sullivan photos of the CPRR at Summit – two which show sheds, and one which might show graded right-of-way without tracks. It's possible that O'Sullivan made a couple of trips to Summit – perhaps one in 1867 before track was laid, and another in later 1868. That is all speculation on my part.

Many thanks.

—Kyle


52 Donner Lake Pass in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of California - 40th Parallel - USGS pp
52 Donner Lake Pass in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of California - 40th Parallel - USGS


53 Donner Lake Pass in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of California - 40th Parallel - USGS pp
53 Donner Lake Pass in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of California - 40th Parallel - USGS


O'Sullivan - Central Pacific Railroad near Summit Station - m198118860004 pp
O'Sullivan - Central Pacific Railroad near Summit Station



1867 Summit Tunnel Completed - Sacramento Daily Union, Volume 34, Number 5203, 30 November 1867
Summit Tunnel Completed – Sacramento Daily Union,
Volume 34, Number 5203, 30 November 1867.





1867 Summit Tunnel Dates - Sacramento Daily Union, Volume 34, Number 5230, 1 January 1868
Summit Tunnel Dates – Sacramento Daily Union,
Volume 34, Number 5230, 1 January 1868.



See comment below:

O'Sullivan 52 Donner Lake Pass in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of California - 40th Parallel - USGS
O'Sullivan 52 Donner Lake Pass in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of California - 40th Parallel - USGS


O'Sullivan 53 Donner Lake Pass in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of California - 40th Parallel - USGS
O'Sullivan 53 Donner Lake Pass in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of California - 40th Parallel - USGS


Russell I-228 or 229 Summit of Sierra Nevada - Library of Congress
Russell I-228 or 229 Summit of Sierra Nevada - Library of Congress


Russell S-545 or 549 - CPRR Museum
Russell S-545 or 549 - CPRR Museum


Reilly 233 Donner Lake and Snow Sheds, CPRR, Cal
Reilly 233 Donner Lake and Snow Sheds, CPRR, California


Watkins 4240  Donner Lake, CPRR, Cal
Watkins 4240 Donner Lake, CPRR, Cal


E&HT Anthony 7109 CP Snow Sheds 10
E&HT Anthony 7109 CP Snow Sheds 10