June 21, 2019
UP 6250, DPU of 5413's westbound unit grain train and the Clamper's Eureka and Palisade RR memorial. The train is crossing the Humboldt River, which the railroad follows for over 200 miles across Nevada. It is on the former Southern Pacific line, which is generally used by westbound trains. Visible across the river is the former Western Pacific line, mostly used by eastbounds. The lines parallel each other between Alazon, near Wells and Weso, near Winnemucca as the Humboldt River is the only route across northern Nevada that does not require several climbs over mountain ranges.
The Clampers are E Clampus Vitus, a group dedicated to preserving the heritage of the western United States, often the bar and bordello heritage, as well as other aspects of history. They are known for red shirts, black powder and alcohol and create and dedicate plaques at historic sites around the US. Palisade has several of their plaques as well as memorials dedicated by the state, Freemasons and other groups.
The Lucinda J Saunders Chapter of E Clampus Vitus, who dedicated this memorial to the E&P, is named for "the first nymphomaniac to make the overland trek to California"
http://waynewhiskey.com/lstpot/clamper/Lucinda.html
The chapter serves Nevada's Eureka, Elko and White Pine Counties, an area of about 30,000 square miles with around 67,000 people. White Pine County is home to Ely and the Nevada Northern Railroad.
Take the account of Lucinda with a grain of salt. The Mormons were not in Utah in 1841, they arrived in 1847, using, in places, a trail blazed by the Donner Party the year before. John Bidwell did arrive in California in 1841 and he is known as the founder of the city of Chico (home of Sierra Nevada beer) as well having his name on other places around the state. See less
¡ª in Palisade, Nevada.
