The Nevada-California-Oregon Railway, the nation’s longest narrow gauge railroad of the 20th century had an illustrious history, depending on your viewpoint. From 1884 to 1925, the NCO was owned by the Moran family, New York bankers. Originating from Reno, Nevada its goal was the final destination  to The Dalles, Oregon on the Columbia River. It took the railroad 32 years just enter in Oregon, at Lakeview, the southern portion of that state, and  it did not go any farther. In 1914, the new general manager, Ramsey Cox,  remained optimistic of the NCO’s future and times were good. It did not last long. Three years later, the NCO sold a 63 mile segment from Hackstaff  (Herlong) to Reno to the Western Pacific.

In 1921, the NCO attempted to abandon  the railroad, but State Railroad Commission did not approve it. The NCO  limped along, as its 159 mile railroad went from to nowhere to nowhere. Eventually, the NCO had a suitor in the name of Southern Pacific Railroad  On April 30, 1925,  an agreement was reached wherein the Southern Pacific acquired the NCO. It was not publicly disclosed as to the purchase, price. It was noted the transfer included stocks and bonds, but again no valuation. It was not until 1926, the Southern Pacific gained physical control of the NCO. In 1927, the railroad bed was converted to standard gauge, and the narrow gauge railroad was officially over. However, the Moran’s operated the NCO as a shell company and it finally ceased in the fall of 1929.

Support by subscribing.

P.S. I did locate the Agreement of Sale between the NCO & Southern Pacific and will provide that information in forthcoming post.