Eureka-Nevada Railway Company Records

The Eureka and Palisade Railroad Company was formed in 1873 to serve the mines in the Eureka Mining District in central Nevada. The narrow gauge started at Palisade, Nevada and by 1875 had extended 87 miles south to Eureka. Individuals involved with the Bank of California, such as Isaac Requa, D. O. Mills, William Sharon, Thomas Bell, and Edgar Mills, associated themselves with the small railroad soon after its inception. The operation did well until about 1885 when mining in the district subsided. The Eureka-Palisade fell into bankruptcy and ceased as a company in June 1900.

On February 1, 1902, the railroad property was transferred to a newly formed Utah based company established in June 1901. The railroad was renamed the Eureka and Palisade Railway with Mark Requa, son of Isaac Requa, one of the leading trustees. A renewed mining boom in the Eureka district supported the railroad for a few years, but severe floods in 1910 damaged miles of Eureka and Palisade track and equipment. Once again, the company suffered financial setbacks and service was discontinued.

After a period of uncertainty, the railroad property was purchased by stockholder George Whittell in May 1911, and the railroad was running again. On successive days in May 1912, Whittell organized the Nevada Transportation Company in California and the Eureka-Nevada Railway Company in Utah. He then leased the railroad to the Nevada Transportation Company, with the exception of the Ruby Hill branch. The Nevada Transportation Company lasted until April 1917.

John E. Sexton, general manager, steered the Eureka-Nevada Railway through stormy years. After his death in 1927, his brother Charles B. Sexton assumed the title of general manager in charge of operations. The railroad ceased operations in September 1938.

Company names and the dates of operation:

Eureka and Palisade Railroad Company, 1873-1901 Eureka and Palisade Railway Company, 1901-1911 Eureka-Nevada Railway Company, 1912-1938