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The Great Train Robbery
The West's first train robbery occurred near this site on the night of November 4, 1870. Five men, led by a
stage robber - Sunday school superintendent, John Chapman, boarded the Central Pacific Overland Express at Verdi,
Nevada. Two took over the engine, one the express car, and two the rear platform. One-half mile east, the engine
and express car were halted and cut free. Then proceeded about five miles where they were stopped by a
barricade. Here the robbers forced the messenger to open up. Seizing $41,600 in gold coin, they rode off.
The uncoupled cars coasted downgrade and met the engine. The train proceeded to Reno. After a two state
chase, all were caught, tried and convicted. About ninety percent of the gold was recovered.
State Historical Marker No. 128
Nevada State Park System
Snowshoe Thomson Chapter 1827, E. Clampus Vitus
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