Newspaper Items
American Fork Railroad
This page was last updated on March 21, 2004
27 April 1872
"American Fork Railroad." "The announcement of this railroad
enterprise will take the general public by surprise, and yet so far have the
arrangements progressed for constructing the line, that the iron, engines and
rolling stock have been purchased, and will soon arrive from the east. Major E.
Wilkes, who got back on Thursday night after three weeks absence during which
he visited New York and Washington, proceeds at once with the work of letting
contracts for grading, and is desirous that the labor of Utah county and that
region should build the line. It will be twenty-two miles is length, twelve
miles of it being in the canyon, from the Sultana smelting works to the mouth
of the canyon, and ten miles further down into the valley to connect with the
Utah Southern road. It will be of three feet gauge, and designed principally
for the transportation of bullion and ores from the Miller mine and Sultana
smelting works; but it will also afford an excellent facility for parties
visiting the beautiful scenery in that canyon, one of the finest in the west.
The grading will be easily done, and the calculation is to have the road in
running order by the first of August. The new enterprise has our best wishes
for its speedy completion." (Pitchard, Salt Lake Herald, 27 April 1872)
27 April 1872
Notice to Contractors
American Fork Railroad
Proposals will be received at this office until May 25, 1872 for grading and bridging the road from the Utah Southern RR up to the Sultana Smelting Works.
E. Wilkes, managing director
Office of Sultana Smelting Works, Kimball Block (Pitchard, Salt Lake Daily Tribune, 27 April 1872)
27 April 1872
"American Fork Railroad", an item of no especial importance, so early
in the road's history, except it says, quite clearly, that "It will be of
three feet gauge,…" (Pitchard, Salt Lake Herald, 27 April 1872)
30 April 1872
Col. E. F. Gray, chief engineer of the AFRR, is now locating the line; grading
to commence in two weeks. (Pitchard, Salt
Lake Daily Tribune, 30 April 1872)
3 June 1872
300 men at work on the grade of the AFRR, and about two miles now completed. (Pitchard, Salt Lake Daily Tribune, 3 June 1872)
28 June 1872
"Miller Mine.--This extensive mine, situated in American Fork, has been
sold by R. N. Baskin and Lloyd Aspinwall to the Miller Mining Company of New
York for $2,700,000. This company is incorporated under the laws of the State
of New-York. The American Fork Railroad is now disconnected from the Miller
Mining Company." (This item also appeared in one of the Salt Lake papers;
no explanation) (Pitchard, Utah Mining
Journal, 28 June 1872)
29 June 1872
"Sale of the Miller Mine" for some $3,000,000, apparently a
reorganizing move, the mine and the Sultana smelter now belonging to the Miller
Mining and Smelting Company, same officers as before. The American Fork
Railroad is held separately from the mine, &c., but has all the same
officers as the M. M. & S., with Major Wilkes the manager of both. (Pitchard, Salt Lake Herald, 29 June 1872)
5 July 1872
"The Miller Mining and Smelting Company has been organized by the election
of the following officers: Francis Skiddy, of New York, President; Gen. Lloyd
Aspinwall, New York, Chairman of the Executive Committee; Messrs. Howland and
Aspinwall, commercial agents; Henry Horner, New York, Secretary and Treasurer;
Edmund Wilkes, Salt Lake City, General Manager. The Company is in a flourishing
condition. Its property in American Fork is unquestionably of great value and
must prove under Major Wilkes' management a great financial success. There is
no such mass of ore in the Territory, if we except the Emma, as is developed in
the Miller. One furnace was started June 30th and is running splendidly and on
the 8th another furnace will be fired up. The ore smelts with extraordinary
ease. The Miller will have out a heap of bullion this year." (Pitchard, Utah Mining Journal, 5 July 1872)
12 July 1872
"American Fork Notes - The work on the narrow gauge is progressing
rapidly. The grade is completed to within five miles of the Miller mine, and
the iron will soon be laid." (Pitchard, Utah Mining Journal, 12 July 1872)
14 July 1872
On the American Fork Railroad, about 11 miles of grade are done; 10 flat cars
have already been received, and also rail for seven miles of track; at present
about 550 men at work; tracklaying will start in 10 days or less. (Pitchard, Salt Lake Herald, 14 July 1872)
16 July 1872
Durant & Cutting have received 17 car loads of rail for the American Fork
Railroad, in Salt Lake City, and it will be forwarded at once. (Pitchard, Salt Lake Herald, 16 July 1872)
17 July 1872
"American Fork Narrow Gauge -- No. l Narrow Gauge Locomotive, 'American
Fork', built by Wm. Mason, Taunton, Mass., arrived this morning by U.C.RR. Two
more locomotives are on the way. Twenty flats and twenty-five car loads of iron
have been received. The railroad will be three feet gauge, and E. Wilkes, who
exhibits untiring energy in its superintendence, says running will commence on
it by the 15th of August. It is expected the Utah Southern will be completed to
American Fork before that time." (Pitchard, Deseret Evening News, 17 July 1872)
18 July 1872
"A locomotive for the American Fork Railroad and a large quantity of iron
have been received by Durant & Cutting, and will go forward immediately,
after which track-laying will commence." "A number of flat cars have
been received for use on the American Fork Railroad." (Pitchard, Salt Lake Daily Tribune, 18 July 1872)
18 July 1872
"A locomotive for the American Fork Railroad and a large quantity of iron
have been received by Durant & Cutting, and will go forward immediately,
after which track-laying will commence." "A number of flat cars have
been received for use on the American Fork Railroad." (Pitchard, Salt Lake Tribune,
18 July 1872)
21 July 1872
"American Fork R.R. -- We saw at the U.C. depot yesterday the 'American
Fork', No. 1, arrived for the American Fork railroad. It is a handsome
locomotive, constructed on the Fairlie principle,' and the second of the kind
built in the United States. People who talk of the rolling stock of narrow
gauge railroads disparagingly should go to the trouble of examining some of it
before exposing their ignorance, and a sight of this locomotive for a
three-foot narrow gauge would be a lesson to them. Major Wilkes informs us that
the 'American Fork' will be moved down tomorrow. Spikes and iron for the track
are arriving at the rate of thirty to forty tons a day; the flat cars have all
been received, and the tracklaying will commence tomorrow. The road is being
pushed forward with energy." (Pitchard, Salt Lake Herald, 21 July 1872)
26 July 1872
"American Fork -- Dr. Spoerry…dropped in to see us yesterday, and tells
us this camp is becoming very lively. At present the Narrow Gauge is being
graded by different gangs clear to the Sultana works, and the iron is already
being laid, commencing at the mouth of the canyon, it being the purpose of
Major Wilkes to have the road from that point to the smelter in working order
first." (Pitchard, Utah Mining
Journal, 26 July 1872)
4 August 1872
Item reports that track is laid on the American Fork Railroad from the
connection with the Utah Southern to the mouth of the canyon, and "the
first locomotive for the road, … left this city several days ago…" (Pitchard, Salt Lake Herald, 4 August 1872)
6 August 1872
"The narrow gauge locomotive for the American fork railroad is now being
propelled around the point of the Big Mountain south. It was taken down by rail
on the U.S.R.R. as far as the track on that road was completed, and from there
it is being run on a temporary track laid down in sections for the purpose. The
progress is rather slow, but it keeps moving towards its destination." (Pitchard, Salt Lake Herald, 6 August 1872)
6 August 1872
"The locomotive for the American Fork narrow gauge railroad is now being
taken around the point of Big Mountain." (Pitchard, Utah Mining Journal, 6 August 1872)
19 August 1872
Letter to the editor, from J. B. Wilson, dated August 12, 1872 at Alta City:
"Traveled by railroad to Sandy station, and then took the stage here
[Alta]… I started for Forest City, American Fork, on Friday morning… The
track is laid within four miles of Forest City, and they are grading both
ways… I started back again the same day." signed J. B. Wilson. He commented
somewhat on the various businesses at Forest City; the Forest City Hotel, run
by C. A. Washington, has been enlarged; the Railroad House has been started up
by B. F. Whittemore; T. Osborn will open a saloon and billiards parlor in a few
days; Burnet & Co. run a butcher's shop. The smelter is running one furnace
at present; the Miller mine employs about 40 men; at Forest City there are 12
charcoal kilns in use, with three more to be put in use soon. One cord of wood
will yield 45 bushels of charcoal." (Pitchard, Utah Mining Journal, 19 August 1872)
21 August 1872
"American Fork RR -- Eight miles of rails of this line are now laid, and
the locomotive was expected to be on the track yesterday doing duty. The work
is progressing rapidly, and the Utah Southern company is pushing ahead to make
a junction with it." (Pitchard, Salt
Lake Herald, 21 August 1872)
23 August 1872
Letter to the Editor, dated 21 August, from American Fork: "News in our
little town is, under the best of circumstances, rather scarce; hence it is
almost impossible to get together sufficient to predicate an article for a
paper upon. We have at this time, however, that which attracts our attention,
in the immense amount of railroad iron and other material for the American Fork
railroad. The sight of the locomotive, as it majestically moved up our main
street, excited a great deal of curiosity, especially among the hundreds who
had never before seen a locomotive. The superintendent put it on the track
yesterday, and made the first trip under the immediate superintendence of Mr.
Parrott. The building of this road is certainly a praiseworthy
enterprise…" (Pitchard, Salt Lake
Herald, 23 August 1872)
24 August 1872
"The American Fork Narrow Gauge Railroad, under the management of Major
Wilkes, will probably be in operation next week. The construction of this great
enterprise is being pushed forward rapidly by the chief engineer, Col.
Gray." (Pitchard, Utah Mining
Journal, 24 August 1872)
26 August 1872
"American Fork Railway." "We learn from Major Wilkes that the
new locomotive, American Fork, is on the track and running about two miles and
a half up the canyon. The little trooper is a diminutive Goliath in pulling
heavy loads and ascends steep grades apparently with ease, while it winds
around the curves like a snake. The work on the road is progressing finely. In
a couple of weeks the locomotive will awaken the echoes of Deer Creek with its
shrill whistle." &c.
30 August 1872
"…the cars on the American Fork Railroad are making three trips per day
from the town to the terminus of the track, just above the mouth of the canyon,
freighting iron, ties, &c." (Pitchard, Deseret Evening News, 30 August 1872)
1 September 1872
In an interview with Major Wilkes yesterday morning, he noted that ten miles of
track had been laid, and eight miles of grade was or would soon be completed.
The item goes on to say: "The locomotive has been successfully run over
the heaviest grade on the road, 296 feet to the mile, at the rate of twelve
miles per hour and carrying forty tons. This is accomplishing more than the
projectors of the road anticipated. On the down grade, they can hold the
locomotive under perfect control." "The iron for the balance of the
road is already here, and the passenger equipments were shipped from the East
on the 17th ult., and may be expected to arrive now any day." "The
American Fork Railroad company are very anxious for the Utah Southern to make
connection with them at American Fork, as there is a large pile of bullion
accumulating in the canyon awaiting shipment. Success to the American
Fork." (Pitchard, Salt Lake Herald,
1 September 1872)
3 September 1872
American Fork City is six miles from the mouth of the canyon, grade between is
relatively easy; track is laid on it, Greatest grade in the canyon is 296 feet
per mile. (5.6 percent) "From the mouth of the canyon the track is
now laid nearly three miles up the narrow valley, to the site of an old shingle
mill, recently destroyed by fire. The grade on this portion of the road is very
steep. It includes in fact some of the heaviest grades on the whole work, 296
feet to the mile being the greatest." "We are indebted to Col. Gray,
the chief engineer, and Mr. Parrott, the engineer in charge of the
track-laying, for a ride on the infant monster, the 'American Fork.' Five
loaded cars are drawn up easily, though of course not at lightning speed, and
on the down trip the train was stopped several times at the very foot of the
heaviest grades, fully showing the power of the brake to control the train at any
point. The grade is about completed as far as Deer Creek, nine miles up the
canyon,…" "It is expected that the railroad will be completed to
Deer Creek by the end of the present month,…" (Pitchard, Utah Mining Journal, 3 September 1872)
5 September 1872
Article on the American Fork Railroad -- says the engine can pull six to eight
loaded cars up the hill -- the stream is crossed 16 times in the first five
miles of the canyon, some of them 30 feet above the water. Col. Gray ran five
lines from Deer Creek to the smelter before finding one he liked, and it will
have a bridge requiring 500,000 board feet of timber! The item further states
that "a branch to Little Cottonwood is determined upon", which will
have to cross the divide between the two canyons. (Pitchard, Salt Lake Herald, 5 September 1872)
(The proposed American Fork line to Little Cottonwood may have been in response to the Utah Southern's grading of a line that summer from Sandy to the mouth of Little Cottonwood Canyon, and the organization of the Wasatch & Jordan Valley line from Sandy to Alta on October 24, 1872.)
6 September 1872
A correction to an item yesterday, neither one of any particular importance,
does say that E. Fairfax Grey, Colonel, now with the American Fork Railroad,
was in command of one of the regiments in Hood's division. (Pitchard, Salt Lake Herald, 6 September 1872)
8 September 1872
A letter from Deer Creek City, dated 5 Sept 1872, says that track has been laid
for a total distance of 12-1/2 miles from American Fork city, grade is all done
to Deer Creek, and track will be laid this week. Letter signed E. H., who is
likely E. Humphrey, who "built over four miles of the road." (Pitchard, Salt Lake Herald, 8 September
1872)
24 September 1872
"American Fork Railroad." "This road is now completed as far as
Deer Creek, and the locomotive whistle is now heard in that romantic spot.
Grading is being done between Deer Creek and the Sultana works,… Passenger
trains will be running in a few days." (Pitchard, Utah Mining Journal, 24 September 1872)
28 September 1872
"Railroad Progress." excerpt: "The American Fork narrow gauge
will be completed in a few days from Lehi, its junction with the Utah Southern,
to Deer Creek, American Fork canyon, nearly twenty miles in length." (Pitchard, Utah Mining Journal, 28 September
1872)
28 September 1872
"Local Intelligence." "The American Fork Railroad is swinging
along in fine style. The grading is completed-to Lehi and by Wednesday next the
track will be laid and a close connection made with the Utah Southern
Railroad." "Passengers will then be able to go by rail as far as Deer
Creek, American Fork canyon. The road promises to have all the work it can
attend to for some time to come. We hope to enjoy a glimpse of canyon scenery
some of these days with Major Wilkes and Col. Gray." (Pitchard, Utah Mining Journal, 28 September 1872)
29 September 1872
"American Fork R.R. -- Major Wilkes informs us that the A.F.RR. is
completed to Deer Creek, up the canyon, and that he is running his line to
connect with the Utah Southern at Lehi. He hopes to make the connection on
Wednesday." (Pitchard, Salt Lake
Herald, 29 September 1872) ("Wednesday" would have been October 2,
1872)
14 October 1872
"American Fork." excerpt: "Deer Creek is the terminus of the
railroad at present,… The narrow-gauge rattles down the canyon in a famous
way, more than surpassing the company's anticipations. Connection has been made
at Lehi with the Utah Southern." (Pitchard, Utah Mining Journal, 14 October 1872)
16 October 1872
An excursion over the American Fork RR, with Brigham Young, D. H. Wells, and
sundry others; the train was a flat car with chairs on it, went up the canyon
about 12 miles. (Pitchard, Salt Lake
Herald, 16 October 1872)
16 October 1872
"Local Intelligence." "Quite a large party, consisting of
Brigham Young, …, and others indulged in a pleasant excursion over the
American Fork narrow gauge railway yesterday. They greatly enjoyed the
magnificent scenery of that grand canyon, and were much pleased with the road
and the engineering skill developed in overcoming so many natural difficulties.
Major Wilkes, manager of the road, accompanied the party and made their trip as
pleasant as possible. The new caboose cars were run on the occasion for the
first time. Trains for passengers and freight are now running daily in
connection with the trains on the Utah Southern." (Pitchard, Utah Mining Journal, 16 October 1872)
24 October 1872
"Local Intelligence." "We learn that the locomotive American
Fork, on the railroad of that name, will be repaired and in running order
tomorrow. The other engines ordered for the road are expected daily, and when
they arrive the road will be busily occupied in transporting bullion, of which
there are more than six hundred tons, to Sandy, and in carrying ores to the
smelters at the head of the canyon. The road will be run as long as
possible." (Pitchard, Utah Mining
Journal, 24 October 1872)
28 October 1872
In an item headed "The Utah Southern," “: … the American Fork Railroad
… had a misfortune with the engine on Friday, in the bursting of the exhaust
pipe, in consequence of which trains have not run on the American Fork RR
since, but it was expected that the engine would be repaired and at work
tomorrow. Portions of the American Fork grade up to and in the canyon are very
steep, and heavy work has been put upon the present small engine. One of
greater power appears to be requisite, and there is some talk of such a one
being obtained." (Pitchard, Deseret
Evening News, 28 October 1872)
14 November 1872
"American Fork Railroad -- through the courtesy of Colonel E. Fairfax Gray
we have examined a profile map of the American Fork railroad,… The road is
constructed about sixteen miles from the terminus at American Fork to Deer
Creek, in the canyon, and within six miles of the smelter works; while they are
within a mile and three-quarters of the famous Miller mine. The elevation of
the smelting works above the junction of the road with the U.S.RR. is 2,684
feet, which has to be attained in 19 miles. Of this altitude, the heaviest
grade occurs within the first four miles, where it reaches 297 feet to the
mile. As this is something new in railroading, we commend the fact to
engineers." (Pitchard, Salt Lake
Herald, 14 November 1872)
19 November 1872
A very long letter dated Monday 18 November, split into three sections on three
days, November 19, 20, and 21, 1872, all on American Fork Canyon, etc -- the
Sultana Smelter is in Forest City, the Miller mine being about 2-3/4 miles
north of Forest City, and about two miles south of the divide; the part of the
letter in the November 21st issue is mostly AFRR -- preliminary survey ordered
by Major Wilkes, then with mine, in early spring of 1872, was done by J. C.
Cameron, Jun., who wrote this letter; following the survey, AFRR was organized
by Wilkes and others, and E. F. Gray began the final location. Cameron says in
his letter that the grade in some spots reaches 316 feet to the mile; north end
of track is presently at Deer Creek, a.k.a. Silver Lake City, but grade is
almost complete to Sultana Smelter, and in some areas switchbacks are required.
"The work of laying the track and completion of the road to that point
will be accomplished early next spring." Most of the road will be 'easily'
kept open in winter, but "the upper portion will be subject to some
expense during three months of the winter season." Some of the officers
are: Major Edmund Wilkes, general manager; E. M. Parrott, superintendent; J. F.
Lowell, paymaster; J. Van Dyke, superintendent of construction; C. F. Basino,
agent at Lehi; T. M. Smith, agent at American Fork; and J. H. Smails, agent at
Deer Creek. (Pitchard, Salt Lake Tribune,
19, 21 & 22 November 1872)
25 November 1872
"The American Fork Railroad's little engine runs along on weekdays with
passengers between Lehi and American Fork, which is an accommodation to be
thankful for." (Pitchard, Deseret
Evening News, 25 November 1872)
(Utah Southern reached Lehi on September 24th, but had not yet reached American Fork. Apparently, the AFRR was operating on narrow gauge trackage laid on the USRR right of way.)
2 December 1872
"American Fork." excerpts "One of our reporters, who has been
airing himself in American Fork Canyon for a few days, gleans the following in
relation to the business and prospects generally of the camp: …The
railroad is a great feature,… From Mr. Church, conductor on the road, we
learn that Major Wilkes is now on a trip to New York to increase the rolling
stock, and two or three new engines, and passenger coaches are expected daily. …
The passenger coaches are very complete for a narrow gauge. Passengers desiring
views of the most superb canyon scenery Utah affords, can do so with as much
ease as on any railroad line." (Pitchard, Utah Mining Journal, 2 December 1872)
6 January 1873
"Land Slide.--Four charcoal kilns of the American Fork Wood and Fuel
company, at the mouth of Deer Creek, were badly damaged by the late storm. The
late heavy rains caused a slide near the foundations of the kilns. The American
Fork railroad is uninjured, and is running on time. Two feet of snow is
reported in the canyon with an open road to the Miller mine." (Pitchard, Utah Mining Journal, 6 January
1873)
15 January 1873
"Local Intelligence." "American Fork Canyon is open and trains
are running on time." (Pitchard, Utah Mining Journal, 15 January 1873)
16 January 1873
"American Fork R.R. -- …Major Wilkes has deemed it advisable to tie up
the railroad for the season."
"…the work of transporting freight by rail to and from the canyon
is suspended." (Pitchard, Salt Lake
Herald, 16 January 1873)
16 January 1873
"Local Intelligence." "Closed for the Season. -- The American
Fork Railroad Company have suspended operations for the present and excepting
their own transportation will carry no freight over the road until further
notice. The heavy fall of snow and continued storms of the last month greatly
increased the expenses of running the road and there is not sufficient business
at this season to justify the outlay. The road will be kept free from snow
however, and communication with the Sultana smelters uninterrupted." (Pitchard, Utah Mining Journal, 16 January
1873)
17 January 1873
"The American Fork Railroad is laid up for the winter. We are also
informed the Sultana Smelting Works have closed for the winter, and Major
Wilkes, superintendent and manager of both railroad and furnace, has gone East.
The cause of this is said to be the snows are so deep the ores cannot be got to
the furnace, and hence the furnace cannot run, and hence there is no business
for the railroad, and hence the railroad 'shuts down', and hence American Fork
Mining District becomes inaccessible, and hence all hands that can get out of
it, and hence it is a rough joke on that section of the country and all
enterprises therein. All of which we very much regret, as we were in hopes
that, by the aid of, and facilities afforded by the railroad, every enterprise
in this district would be kept moving all winter." (Pitchard, Salt Lake Tribune, 17 January 1873)
18 January 1873
"Not Gone.--We were yesterday misinformed as to the departure of Major
Wilkes for the East, as we learn he is still in the city and has no intention
of making such a trip at present. We learn also that the A.F. R.R. Co.'s engine
has been only temporarily withdrawn from service in order to make some
necessary repairs. Mules, however, will be used for hauling the cars in the
interim and will be found sufficient for the business, as the severe weather in
the canyon has caused almost a suspension of operations." (Pitchard, Salt Lake Daily Tribune, 18 January 1873)
31 January 1873
"Local Intelligence." "American Fork Canyon is virtually closed.
The Miller mine is working about forty men, but all other operations have been
suspended on account of snow. The rolling stock of the railroad is all
housed." (Pitchard, Utah Mining
Journal, 31 January 1873)
3 February 1873
"Local Intelligence." "Resigned.--Major E. Wilkes has resigned
his position as General Manager of the American Fork Railroad Company." (Pitchard, Utah Mining Journal, 3 February
1873)
21 February 1873
"The American Fork railroad is not running,…" "It is tied up
for the winter,…" (Pitchard, Salt
Lake Herald, 21 February 1873)
26 February 1873
Major Edmond Wilkes has resigned from the Miller Mining and Smelting Co., and
from the American Fork Railroad; had been manager of both. (Pitchard, Salt Lake Herald, 26 February 1873)
27 February 1873
Maj. Edmund Wilkes, General Manager of the Miller mine and the American Fork
Railroad, and John F. Lowell, secretary of the Railroad, have both resigned.
The new General Manager will be Stephen DeWolfe, and the new secretary will be
John McNamee. (Pitchard, Salt Lake Daily
Tribune, 27 February 1873)
28 February 1873
"Appointed. -- The Miller mine and the American Fork railroad which we
spoke of recently suspended operations on account of the snow. The place left
vacant by the resignation of Major Wilkes is now filled by S. DeWolfe. … The
company were very fortunate in the selection of Mr. McNamee as Secretary. As
head book-keeper of the firm of Walker Bros., …" (Pitchard, Utah Mining Journal, 28 February 1873)
13 March 1873
The American Fork Railroad is still shut down. DeWolfe is the manager, and
McNamee is the secretary, having been earlier head bookkeeper for Walker
Brothers bank. (Pitchard, Salt Lake
Tribune, 13 March 1873)
17 April 1873
"To Narrow Gauge RR Men -- Mr. DeWolfe, manager for the American Fork
Railroad company, offers a fourteen ton narrow gauge locomotive for sale, built
for that company, and only disposed of because too light for the road. See
advertised notice." (Pitchard, Salt
Lake Herald, 17 April 1873)
(this notice elsewhere in same issue):
"Locomotive For Sale." "A narrow gauge fourteen ton Locomotive, in complete running order, built for the American Fork Railroad Company, and offered for sale only because too light for that road. Apply to
S. DeWolfe,
Manager, 92-1/2 Main Street
24 April 1873
Baskin and DeWolfe came down from Deer Creek on a flat car, on the 22nd, making
a speed in places of 30 miles per hour, says the paper. (Pitchard, Salt Lake Herald, 24 April 1873)
11 May 1873
"American Fork.-- Arrangements are being made by Mr. DeWolfe…to run a
mule train in the canyon until a heavier locomotive is obtained, the present
one, which is for sale, being too light for the work on so heavy a grade."
(Pitchard, Salt Lake Daily Herald, 11 May
1873)
31 May 1873
"American Fork. -- Arrangements are being made by Mr. DeWolfe,…, to run
a mule train in the canyon until a heavier locomotive is obtained, the present
one, which is for sale, being too light for the work on so heavy a grade."
(Pitchard, Salt Lake Herald, 31 May 1873)
8 July 1873
"The American Fork Railroad is now open, and trains are running daily,
Sundays excepted, between Lehi and Deer Creek." "Trains leave Lehi at
9:30am on the arrival of the Utah Southern train, and returning leave Deer
Creek at 2:30pm, in time to connect at Lehi with the 5 o'clock train for this
city." (Pitchard, Salt Lake Herald,
8 July 1873)
13 September 1873
A letter, dated at Salt Lake, 8 September 1873:
"Editors, Mining Gazette
"Can you tell me the reason why the American Fork Railroad is run by horse power, with the locomotive laid up? Is it owing to defects in the engine, or is there not sufficient trade for steam power? According to the published reports when the engine first arrived, it mounted the heaviest grades with ease; if so then, why not now? (s) Engineer.
"(We were not aware that such was the case; perhaps some one of the officials can reply to 'Engineer's' query.)" (Pitchard, Utah Mining Gazette, 13 September 1873)
14 September 1873
"American Fork Canyon." "Salt Lake City, Sept. 13th, 1873."
"Editors Herald:" "For the benefit of health or pleasure-seeking
tourists, I think it well to 'do up,' in Murray's style, the American Fork canyon…
The ways of getting there are simple and not perilous, although they involve
six dollars worth of all the ancient and modern styles of traveling. The
broad-gauge U. S. R. R., thirty-six miles to Lehi, thence the narrow gauge A.
F. R. R., by steam eight miles to the mouth of the canyon, and thence by
patient, plodding mule power through a narrow, ever winding and ascending road,
eight miles to Deer Creek, the terminus of the railroad." DEER CREEK
"This place, notwithstanding its beauty of scenery, has no other celebrity
than that of being the terminus of the A. F. R. R. Its inhabitants dwell in the
fifteen or twenty cabins that make the village,. and peacefully follow the
pursuits of wood and tie hauling and charcoal burning. " FOREST CITY
"I only tarried one hour at Deer Creek and took passage on an ore wagon
for Forest City, four miles distant, where I arrived at 5 p.m.,… I registered
at the 'Railroad House,' well kept by Mr. E. J. Andrews." "At Forest
City are located the Sultana Smelting works (three furnaces), belonging to the
owners of the Miller mine, of the A. F. R. R., of the fifteen masonry charcoal
kilns and their 6,000 cords of wood, and of everything else in the long canyon
worth awning." "The principal imports of the canyon are supplies, invalids,
and superintendents; the exports are bullion, charcoal, lumber, lime and
railroad ties." (This is just a few items from a long letter, and all of
the railroad material therefrom, which letter is signed 'Heidelberg.') (Pitchard, Salt Lake Daily Herald, 14 September 1873)
23 September 1873
"Roundabout." "The depot was opened at American Fork on
Saturday. [20 September]" (Pitchard, Salt Lake Daily Tribune, 23 September 1873)
10 January 1874
Letter from American Fork, dated 7th, and he says "I am informed that a
new engine and several cars are expected from the East for the narrow gauge
railway,…" (Pitchard, Salt Lake
Herald, 10 January 1874)
5 May 1874
"A new locomotive is daily expected for the American Fork Railroad. It is
to be larger and more powerful than the one they have been using, and will tend
to expedite matters on that line." (Pitchard, Provo Tri-Weekly Times, 5 May 1874)
8 May 1874
"American Fork Railway," a correspondent from Forest City says that
the first train since last fall went up the road on the 6th of May, and will
now run regularly every day out of American Fork, in connection with trains on
the Utah Southern. He also notes that "A new and more powerful locomotive
will soon be added to the rolling stock." (Pitchard, Salt Lake Tribune, 8 May 1874)
16 May 1874
"Arrived" "We learn that the new locomotive, made expressly for
the American Fork Railroad, has arrived and will commence running on that road
next week." (Pitchard, Provo Tri-Weekly Times, 16 May 1874)
9 June 1874
Item lifted from the Denver News: "The Senate has passed a bill giving the
right-of-way over the public domain to the American Fork Railroad." (Pitchard, Salt Lake Herald, 9 June 1874)
28 June 1874
On and after 28 June 1874, the American Fork Railroad will run regular trains
over its road, daily except Sunday. (Pitchard, Salt Lake Herald, 28 June 1874)
25 August 1874
"Trip to American Fork", letter 22 August 1874 by "our Mr.
Dunbar", with C. R. Savage, G. M. Ottinger, and others; left SLC Wednesday
last week, raining, in afternoon Savage took photograph of Germania works, sun
having appeared; on Thursday went up the American Fork Canyon, at 10:30
"we seated ourselves in a handsome little car on the A.F.R.R. narrow
gauge"; E. Humphreys, manager of the road, provided a handcar and a man to
operate it, and Savage, Ottinger and Dunbar wandered over the line, with Savage
and Ottinger "viewing and sketching everything found here, from an old
tumble-down saw mill, or a miner's hut, to a rough jagged mountain." (Pitchard, Salt Lake Herald, 25 August 1874)
4 September 1874
Estimate of the cost of the American Fork Railroad, including the rolling
stock, is $400,000.00; Howland & Aspinwall, NYC, are the principal owners;
item says the railroad crosses the creek 15 times in nine miles to Deer Creek.
Also says that the grade is completed four miles beyond Deer Creek, to the
Miller Mine. Of the railroad, Howland & Aspinwall are the owners, Lloyd
Aspinwall the president, and E. Humphrey the manager. (Pitchard, Salt Lake Herald, 4 September 1874)
22 September 1874
Jno. J. McNamee has resigned, effective 1 October 1874, as secretary of both
the American Fork Railroad and the Miller Mining & Smelting Company, after
18 months' service. (Pitchard, Salt Lake
Daily Herald, 22 September 1874)
10 October 1874
"The American Fork Railroad is shipping timber, lumber, 'Queen of the
West' ore, and charcoal." (Pitchard, Salt Lake Herald, 10 October 1874)
25 June 1875
"The American Fork railroad, narrow gauge, has again been opened to the
public,…" Trains run Monday, Wednesday, and Friday in connection with
trains on the Utah Southern. (Pitchard, Salt Lake Herald, 25 June 1875)
13 August 1876
Puffy piece on an excursion up American Fork Canyon, on the railroad, on the
10th of August; conductor was Mr. Smails. (Pitchard, Salt Lake Herald, 13 August 1876)
21 September 1876
"The American Fork Railroad company is running daily trains into the
headquarters of romantic scenery, American Fork Canyon." (Pitchard, Salt Lake Herald, 21 September
1876)
19 May 1877
"American Fork. -- We learn that the railroad cars are now running up
American Fork Canyon, and business is opened for the season. A good and
prosperous time is expected." (Pitchard, The Utah County Enquirer, Provo, 19 May 1877)
13 July 1877
An item on American Fork Canyon refers in passing to "…its serpentine
narrow-gauge railway,…" and also comments that E. H. Parsons is now
building a hotel in the upper reaches of the canyon. (Pitchard, Salt Lake Herald, 13 July 1877)
28 July 1877
"Excursion trains are now running daily to American Fork Canyon, and
Captain Parsons has his hotel at Deer Creek in full blast." (Pitchard, Salt Lake Herald, 28 July 1877)
3 August 1877
"American Fork Canyon" item speaks of the "Mountain Glen
House" of Capt. Parsons, at Deer Creek, as being nearly completed. And
there is yet another story about coming down the American Fork Railroad on a
car, without engine, on which the conductor is again Mr. Smails. (Pitchard, Salt Lake Herald, 3 August 1877)
4 August 1877
"American Fork Items. -- …and at the depot of the Utah Southern and
American Fork Railroads, there is quite a stir on the arrival of the trains,
and a large number of men are constantly employed in transferring freight from
the cars of one road to the other." (Pitchard, The Utah County Enquirer, Provo, 4 August 1877)
26 May 1878
"The picturesque American Fork Canyon will practically be closed to
tourists after a few weeks, as the railroad into it is to be torn up and
removed, the rails having been sold to the Wasatch & Jordan Valley company.
Tomorrow morning regular trains will commence running into the Canyon, when the
work of removing the track will begin, and continue for about ten days."
"It is a great pity that the mines in American Fork have not proved sufficiently
rich and extensive to warrant the continuous operation of the canyon
road." (Pitchard, Salt Lake Tribune,
26 May 1878)
29 May 1878
"Those who wish to avail themselves of the opportunity to witness the
grand scenery of American Fork Canyon, should do so, before the rails are all
taken up from the road." (Pitchard, Salt Lake Daily Tribune, 29 May 1878)
1 June 1878
"City Jottings." "It is understood that the rails of the defunct
American Fork road are to be laid on the Big Cottonwood extension of the Jordan
Valley. This is an important movement,…" (Pitchard, Salt Lake Daily Tribune, 1 June 1878)
5 June 1878
"Splendid Scenery" "The scenery in American Fork Canyon, for
rugged grandeur, is surpassed by but few spots in this country. However, it is
not likely to be visited in future, to any extent by tourists. The railroad up
the defile is now being torn up. It was a losing concern, financially. The
citizens adjacent are, however, building a good wagon road." (Pitchard, Deseret Evening News, 5 June
1878)
5 June 1878
"The work of tearing up the American Fork railroad track began at Deer
Creek yesterday. The switches and sidings were torn up last week. A few days
will see the work of destruction completed." (Pitchard, Salt Lake Daily Tribune, 5 June 1878)
7 June 1878
"It is possible that the rails now being taken from American Fork Canyon
will be laid from Sandy to the foot of the Stairs in Big Cottonwood Canyon, and
tourists will visit that point accordingly." (Pitchard, Salt Lake Daily Herald, 7 June 1878)
8 June 1878
"Removing It" "The rails, ties, etc., which composed the
American Fork Canyon Railroad are being removed to the vicinity of Sandy. The
proprietors have not yet come to a definite decision as to what use will be
made of the material. The advisability of laying it from Sandy to the vicinity
of a point called the Stairs, in Big Cottonwood Canyon, is under
consideration." (Pitchard, Deseret
Evening News, 8 June 1878)
18 June 1878
A letter from American Fork, dated 17 June, shows that rail was still being
taken up. (Pitchard, Salt Lake Herald, 18 June 1878)
23 June 1878
"The rails of the American Fork road are stored for the present at the
town of American Fork." (Pitchard, Salt Lake Daily Tribune, 23 June 1878)
20 July 1878
"Although the railroad is no longer in American Fork Canyon, the grand
scenery is still there,…" (Pitchard, Salt Lake Daily Tribune, 20 July 1878)
17 October 1880
An article of one and one-half columns on the decision in the Aspinwall vs.
Scofield suit (Aspinwall was the president/owner of the American Fork Railroad,
and Scofield the president/owner of the W.& J.V./B.C.& C.F. as well as
the Utah & Pleasant Valley; the suit was over the non payment of some
$11,000 for railroad materials Scofield obtained of Aspinwall); as the original
judgment against Scofield was obtained by the plaintiff in the New York Supreme
Court, and not made a part of the current (Utah) proceeding, decision is
against plaintiff. This is said to be an important precedent. (Pitchard, Salt Lake Herald, 17 October
1880)
