Welcome to the Nevada-California-Oregon Railway Historical Society

“Every railroad has a history. Few have a story quite like the Nevada-California-Oregon.”

Hidden among the high desert landscapes of Northern California lies the story of one of the American West’s most remarkable narrow-gauge railroads. For nearly sixty years, the Nevada-California-Oregon Railway connected communities across three states, carried passengers and freight through some of the region’s most rugged country, and helped shape the lives of thousands of people along its route.

Today, much of that railroad has disappeared—but its story remains.

The Nevada-California-Oregon Railway Historical Society was founded to preserve, research, restore, and share the rich history of this extraordinary railroad. From historic buildings and railroad equipment to photographs, maps, documents, and personal stories, we are working to ensure that the legacy of the N-C-O Railway is preserved for future generations.

Whether you are a lifelong railroad enthusiast, a student of western history, a former railroad family, or someone discovering the N-C-O for the very first time, we’re delighted you’ve found us. We invite you to explore the remarkable history of this railroad, follow the preservation work taking place today, and become part of the community working to protect its legacy.

Nevada-California-Oregon Railroad Depot in Reno

View of the Reno depot shortly after completed.

N-C-O Ry. depot in Lakeview, Oregon.

N-C-O Ry. depot in Lakeview, Oregon.

In just a few short years, the Society has made tremendous progress toward preserving the history of the Nevada-California-Oregon Railway.
Highlights include:

Since Our Founding

  •  Preserving more than 34 acres of the original N-C-O headquarters and shop grounds in Alturas.
  • Protecting and restoring historic railroad buildings, equipment, and artifacts.
  • Building one of the most significant collections of N-C-O photographs, documents, maps, and historical records.
  • Publishing original historical research through our quarterly journal.
  • Securing federal and private funding to support long-term preservation efforts.
  • Beginning development of the future N-C-O Railway History Park.

While we are proud of what has been accomplished, we believe the most exciting
chapters are still ahead.

Alturas California Depot
N-C-O Ry depot in Alturas. Now home to the Alturas Garden Club.

What We’re Working On

Our work is always moving forward. Current initiatives include:

  • Development of the N-C-O Railway History Park
  • Restoration of Employee Cottage no. 2
  • Restoration of boxcar no. 518 and refrigerator car no. 501
  • Expansion of the Society's archives and research collections
  • Publication of original historical research
N-C-O Ry. Baggage Car 22 in Alturas, California.

N-C-O Ry. Baggage Car 22 in Alturas, California.

N-C-O Ry. baggage car 72 in Alturas

N-C-O Ry. baggage car 72 in Alturas, California.

Join the Journey

History is not preserved by buildings alone. It is preserved by people. Every member, volunteer, donor, researcher, and supporter plays an important role in ensuring that the story of the Nevada-California-Oregon Railway continues to inspire future generations.

As you explore our website, you’ll discover the people, places, equipment, and events that made the N-C-O Railway unique—and the ongoing efforts to preserve that legacy today.

We hope you’ll join us as we preserve the next chapter of the N-C-O Railway.

Welcome aboard.

Join us as we dive into the history of the N-C-O Ry. by exploring our website, subscribing to our E-Blasts, and following us on Facebook.