Why Did Truckee Survive?

When the Transcontinental Railroad opened in 1869, hundreds of small towns sprang up along the route. Now, most of them are ghost towns or just place names on the map, no longer needed. Truckee is one of the few that has survived through the many changes in industry, transportation, demographics, and the needs and interests of the population. The Museum of Truckee History tells the story of how Truckee survived and thrived as a railroad town, logging and lumber center, provider of ice for the California fruit industry, winter sports mecca, and all-season tourist destination.