Nevada Historical Society presents High Noon with Neal Cobb, a wonderful history series that delves into fascinating Nevada topics with local experts. Neal Cobb is a passionate historian and honorary curator for the Nevada Historical Society. He loves all things Nevada. Join Neal Cobb and our monthly speakers as we explore interesting topics and join in the audience conversations.

Nevada has a rich mining and railroad history. Railroads once connected just about every town in Nevada. Today, the Nevada Northern Railway is the sole survivor from this glorious period of Nevada’s history.  

It has been designated by the Secretary of the Interior as a National Historic Landmark. It possesses exceptional value or quality in illustrating or interpreting the heritage of the United States. This fifty-six-acre complex consists of over sixty buildings and structures, original operating steam locomotives, over sixty original pieces of antique railroad equipment, thirty miles of original track and right-of-way, along with the corporate paper record of the railroad and an incalculable number of artifacts. 

When the copper mine closed, the community asked if the railroad could be donated to the community of Ely. This year marks the railroad’s 35th Anniversary of becoming a tourist railroad. Join the railroad’s president Mark Bassett as he explains the ups and downs of operating a 19th century railroad in the 21st century. 

July Speaker: Mark Basset, Director Northern Nevada Ely Railroad

Mark S. Bassett has been involved with the Nevada Northern Railway Museum for twenty-four years. First as a volunteer and then as the President for 20 years. He is a hands-on manager, whether in the office, driving a diesel locomotive, calling all-aboard as the conductor or leading a group on a tour around the property. Mark and his dedicated staff and volunteers have combined their efforts in preserving this National Historic Landmark railroad but evolving it into Nevada’s premier rural attraction. 

Mark’s interest in heritage railroading began back in Fort Collins Colorado where he was President of the Ft. Collins Municipal Railway Society, a community group that restored a trolley car to operation. That involvement led to his experience as a National Trust for Historic Preservation Main Street Project Manager in Laramie Wyoming.  

Mark has appeared in many television shows including American Restoration, Modern Marvels and Pawn Stars promoting all involving aspects of the Nevada Northern Railway Museum and Nevada’s railroading heritage.  

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