SHAFTER, NEVADA

The Remains of a Railroad Siding Town

May 20, 2004

Railroads played a vital role in the development of the American West. As they expanded throughout the country, sidings were built at fairly regular intervals. These were places where trains could pull over to pass each other, and some had additional maintenance facilities. Around the major sidings, towns appeared. Shafter was one of these. Situated at the intersection of the Union Pacific and Burlington Northern lines, it was an especially important siding. In spite of its importance, little evidence now remains. The Burlington Northern line is now abandoned, and the buildings are all gone. Crumbling foundations and garbage are the only remnants of the town. However, there are a few abandoned rail cars slowly rotting away in the desert. Next to the siding on the Union Pacific line, there are two rail cars sitting on tracks. They have obviously been there for a very long time. Next to the Burlington Northern siding, there are two heavily dilapidated overturned rail cars.

Although the town is gone, Shafter is still an important location for modern travelers in the region. Within the triangle formed by Interstate 80 and U.S. Highways 93 and ALT-93, it seems like all roads lead to Shafter; it is one of the most important landmarks in the area. Situated just a few miles south of I-80, it is quite easy to reach. Since I like to explore this general area, I often find myself in Shafter. Last time I was there, a friend took a few pictures of me posed upon the overturned rail cars by the Burlington Northern line. Some of these are included here. As I visit this site in the future, I will collect a few more photographs and hopefully I can give some idea of the beautiful desolation of the place.

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These overturned rail cars are slowly rusting away beside the Burlington Northern siding.

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