ABSTRACT: Diary written by Arthur P. Wood, an engineer on the transcontinental railroad.
SCOPE: These three diaries were written by Arthur P. Wood. Entries provide information on his personal life and his work projects. The 1869 diary details the struggles of the author’s last few weeks working on the transcontinental railroad, joining the Union Pacific Railroad to the Central Pacific Railroad of California. After 1869, Wood spent the rest of his life as a railroad contractor until his death in 1933. His 1879 and 1888 diaries are also included.
EXTENT: 3 diaries
HISTORY: Arthur P. Wood was an engineer held in high regard. He first worked in the department of civil engineering as a rod-man for survey work, later working to find a bridge along the Missouri. He then rose up the ranks to assistant engineer and oversaw the construction of machine shops in North Platte. He was again promoted to division engineer and was tasked with supervising construction of every shop and building along the Union Pacific Railroad. He retained this position to the end of his career working on the railroad.
ACCESS: This collection can be viewed on-site in the Rare Book and Manuscripts Reading Room. Some of the material may be photocopied, digitally scanned or photographed, subject to condition and other access restrictions. Information on conducting research with the archival collections of the Library, including current building hours and reading room policies, can be found on our Research page. The St. Louis Mercantile Library is located on levels one and two of the Thomas Jefferson Library building on the University of Missouri-St. Louis’ north campus.
Preferred Citation note: The preferred citation for this collection is “From the collections of the John W. Barriger III National Railroad Library at the University of Missouri – St. Louis."
