Legends of the Old West: Episode 3 – “Desperadoes of Every Grade”

Released on June 4, 2025, by Black Barrel Media

Introduction

In the third installment of the "Hell on Wheels" season, hosted by Chris Wimmer and featuring insights from a knowledgeable historian, "Desperadoes of Every Grade" delves deep into the tumultuous era surrounding the construction of the transcontinental railroad. This episode unpacks the intricate dynamics between ambitious rail companies, corrupt officials, desperate workers, and the relentless Native American resistance that shaped the American West.

The Race for the Transcontinental Railroad

The episode opens with a historical overview of the Transcontinental Railroad's pivotal moment in 1867. The Central Pacific Railroad had triumphantly navigated the formidable Sierra Nevada mountains, a feat originally envisioned by Theodore Judah. However, progress on the Union Pacific was marred not by natural obstacles but by human greed and corruption.

Historian:
"Thomas Durant was both the vice president of the Union Pacific and the man who controlled Credit Mobilier, the shell company that controlled the money. For several years, Durant had turned the construction of the railroad into a personal gold mine." [03:28]

Durant's manipulation of funds led to inflated construction costs and delayed supply shipments, causing immense hardship for the workers. This financial exploitation resulted in widespread discontent and eventually sparked worker strikes demanding overdue pay and wage increases from $2 to $8 per day.

Rise of Hell on Wheels

The labor unrest gave birth to the infamous "Hell on Wheels" camps—temporary, lawless towns that sprawled alongside the advancing railroad. Samuel Bowles, a Massachusetts newspaper editor, coined this notorious nickname, highlighting the rampant vice and violence that plagued these transient settlements.

Narrator:
"Hovels, restaurants and saloon keepers, gamblers, desperados of every grade." [06:20]

These camps quickly transformed from makeshift work sites into chaotic hubs teeming with gamblers, prostitutes, and outlaws, undermining the railroad's progress.

Attempted Restoration of Order in Julesburg

One of the most dramatic episodes featured in the narrative is the unrest in Julesburg, Colorado. Described as the "wickedest city in the West," Julesburg became a hotbed of violence and lawlessness. In a decisive move to restore order, Jack Casement, a disciplined Union war veteran, was dispatched with 200 armed men to quell the chaos.

Historian:
"He turned to his men and gave the order, 'Open fire.'" [17:43]

Casement's ruthless crackdown resulted in numerous deaths and the suppression of vice, temporarily bringing peace to the fraught town.

Cheyenne and the Struggle for Stability

Unlike Julesburg, Cheyenne was intended to be a permanent settlement. Despite initial efforts by Nathaniel Fairbank and the establishment of civic structures, the influx of vice once the railroad arrived quickly spiraled out of control. An attempted payroll robbery in 1868 further destabilized the town, leading to increased military involvement and the formation of vigilance committees to combat outlaw influence.

Historian:
"The Belle of the West saloon... became a war zone. When the shooting stopped, five men were dead and 15 were wounded." [30:14]

The episode highlights the fragile balance between order and chaos in these burgeoning towns, underscoring the continual struggle to maintain law and governance amidst rapid expansion.

Confrontations with Native American Tribes

As the Union Pacific pushed westward, they encountered staunch resistance from the Northern Cheyenne, Arapaho, and Lakota tribes. The expansion threatened indigenous lands, leading to numerous skirmishes and ambushes that endangered both the workers and the railroad's progress.

Narrator:
"Percy Brown's death was both tragic and a blow to the railroad. Without his data, the land had to be resurveyed, which halted forward progress for more than a week." [33:11]

These conflicts illustrated the deep-rooted tensions and the formidable challenges faced by the railroad crews beyond just human corruption and lawlessness.

Engineering Feats Amid Adversity

Despite the myriad challenges, the Union Pacific achieved remarkable engineering milestones, such as conquering Sherman's Summit and constructing the Dale Creek Bridge—one of the largest wooden trestles of its time. These accomplishments were pivotal in the railroad's westward expansion, symbolizing resilience and ingenuity.

Historian:
"The bridge was called a miracle... over the highest railroad summit on the continent." [25:39]

The meticulous planning and execution by engineers like Grenville Dodge and the Casement brothers were crucial in overcoming the natural barriers that stood in the way of connecting the nation.

Conclusion and Forward Look

By the fall of 1868, as the Union Pacific neared completion, and the Central Pacific surged through the Nevada desert, the transcontinental race reached its climax. The episode sets the stage for future developments, hinting at the relentless drive to connect America despite the physical and human costs involved.

Narrator:
"The railroad's money was vulnerable... signifying a shift in the balance of power and the increasing involvement of military forces." [29:21]

As the season progresses, listeners are invited to explore the continuing saga of determination, conflict, and transformation that defined the Old West.

Notable Quotes

• Historian:
  "Thomas Durant had turned the construction of the railroad into a personal gold mine." [03:28]

• Historian:
  "He turned to his men and gave the order, 'Open fire.'" [17:43]

• Historian:
  "The bridge was called a miracle... over the highest railroad summit on the continent." [25:39]

Key Takeaways

• Corruption and Greed: Thomas Durant's exploitation of the Union Pacific's finances significantly hindered its progress and fueled worker unrest.

• Lawlessness of Hell on Wheels: Temporary railroad camps quickly devolved into lawless towns filled with vice, necessitating brutal interventions to maintain order.

• Engineering Triumphs: Despite human and natural adversities, the Union Pacific achieved significant engineering feats that were critical to the railroad's completion.

• Conflict with Native Americans: The railroad's expansion into Native American territories led to violent confrontations, highlighting the broader impact of westward expansion.

Stay tuned for the next episode of "Legends of the Old West," where the Central Pacific Railroad continues its formidable journey through the Nevada desert, facing new challenges and striving to outpace its Union Pacific counterparts in the monumental race to complete the transcontinental railroad.

This episode was meticulously researched and written by Matthew Kearns, produced by Joe Garra, with original music by Rob Valiere. Special thanks to our historian for providing in-depth insights into this pivotal chapter of American history.