February 2014 Auction Ends Thursday, February 27th, 5pm Pacific
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/27/2014
Very early Pontchartrain Railroad minutes from 17 December 1850 through 15 December 1856, accompanied by 7pp. Pensacola Railroad incorporation document. In 1830, this Louisiana railroad was only the second ever railroad constructed in the U.S. and the first west of the Allegheny Mountains; many Americans knew its steam locomotive by its popular nickname, the ''Smoky Mary.'' Book of minutes comprises over 200 pages of handwritten notes from the formal meetings of the Pontchartrain Railroad's administrators in its infancy. Log book contains all the most important information related to the major decisions made for the Pontchartrain's earliest development, including plans for the acquisition of new land. On the upper margin of nearly every handwritten page is, ''Meeting of the Board of Directors of the Pontchartrain Railroad Company'', written with the date and usually also ''New Orleans, LA''. 208 pages are bound in dark paper boards, measuring 10.5'' x 15.75''. Toning and wear to exterior, with cocking and chipping to spine, else near fine given age. An important and singular piece of railroad history.
1850's Minute Book for the Pontchartrain ''Smoky Mary'' Railroad -- With Handwritten Act of Congress to Incorporate the Pensacola Railroad System
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