Hell on Wheels: Union Pacific Railroad Towns in Wyoming

The construction of the Transcontinental Railroad, linking the eastern and western United States, was an engineering marvel. Covering nearly two-thirds of the country, its completion resulted in quicker and cheaper transportation, and accelerated the westward expansion of the United States. Visit the Online Exhbit.

Union Pacific Railroad contractor Jack Casement, and his work train, circa 1868-1869. Photo by Andrew J. Russell, American Heritage Center Collections.

In Wyoming, and elsewhere along the construction line, end of track towns developed. Surveying and grading teams, and later track-laying teams, established temporary supply and construction camps along the rail route. Tent cities, consisting of canvas and wood structures sprang up around the work camps to supply services for the workers. Saloons, dance halls, brothels, mercantiles, and gambling houses were common. End of track towns were known for vigilantism, riots, and crime, earning the towns the name “Hell on Wheels.” I

Size: 24 framed items (2 crates)

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