Verde Canyon Railroad
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run26.2
N 34° 46.583 W 112° 03.360
12S E 403374 N 3848753
A scenic railroad in Northern Arizona.
Waymark Code: WM1AQM
Location: Arizona, United States
Date Posted: 03/17/2007
Views: 96
The railroads of north central Arizona were all built to support Arizona's richest copper mine, located in Jerome. The first rail line, the Atlantic & Pacific Railroad, was completed in 1882, connecting Jerome to Ashfork.
The Verde Canyon Railroad (formerly the Verde Valley Railroad, operated by the Santa Fe, Prescott and Phoenix Railroad), was financed by Senator William A. Clark for a hefty $1.3 million. A miracle of engineering, the 38-mile line was built in just one year, from 1911 to 1912. It took 250 men using 200 mules, picks and shovels and lots of Dupont black powder explosives to lay these rails. Today, the same railroad would cost in excess of $38 million.
The smelter, which initiated the construction of the town of Clarkdale, named after Senator Clark, was located just below the Jerome mines. Used until 1952, the smelter had its final 400-foot high stack blown in 1962, signaling the end of an era and an industry on which a community had been built and prospered.
Engine Type: Diesel
Gauge of Railway: Standard Gage
Approximate Adult Fare: 55.00 (listed in local currency)
Approximate Child Fare: 35.00 (listed in local currency)
Type: Spur (out and back)
Length of Route: 17 Miles
Dates of Operation: From: 01/01/2007 To: 12/31/2007
Frequency of departures: my train left at 1 and we got back at 4. 2 up and 2 down.
Key Attractions:
Bald eagle sightings.
Does this Scenic Railroad Provide: Brunch, Lunch or Dinner Trains?: yes
Railroad Website: [Web Link]
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Visit Instructions:Provide a picture of something with the train. Possible photos include the entertainment on board the train, the train itself at any location along the route, a picture of the scenery with part of the train in view, the kids borrowing the engineer’s hat. Show us you had a good time visiting the train. If the train isn't running when you visit get a photo of one of the many railway related items that can be found in locations like this.