The 2006 Nevada Day Parade Marshal
The highlight of this year’s celebration is the Nevada Day Parade with the theme “Nevada Day Meets the V & T Railway.” The Grand Marshal will be the V & T No. #22 Inyo. As the Grand Marshal the Inyo will lead the parade.
Virginia & Truckee locomotive no. 22, built in 1875 by the Baldwin Locomotive Work of Philadelphia at a cost of $9065, is one of the oldest operating steam locomotive presently in North America. The 4-4-0 locomotives such as the Inyo were called the American Standard type because of its near universal usage in the mid-19th century.
Typical of engines built for passenger service in the 1870s, no. 22 pulled the V&T's Lightning Express between Reno and Virginia City, but also worked as a switch engine and in mixed train service. In the 19th century, the V&T maintained the common practice of naming their engines. Inyo is an Indian word translated as "dwelling place of a great spirit". In the 1920s and 30s no. 22 was nicknamed the Brass Betsy.
In 1937 Paramount Pictures purchased the Inyo for movie service in High Wide and Handsome, and also in Cecil B. DeMille's Union Pacific. Its last role was as the Central Pacific locomotive Jupiter, displayed between 1970 and 1978 at the Golden Spike National Historic Site at Promontory, Utah. The State of Nevada purchased the engine in 1974. The Inyo is restored to its condition as it appeared in 1893. It is operated for special events, including Railfair '91 at the California State Railroad Museum and regular 4th of July outings at the Nevada State Railroad Museum.
The festivities continue through the weekend. On Sunday, Oct. 29th, kids of all ages can enjoy a train ride from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. at the Nevada State Railroad Museum.
Adults $5; Seniors 65+ $4; Children 6-11 $3; Under 6 Free.
For additional information call 1-800-NEVADA-1 or visit www.VisitCarsonCity.com