User:RalphOnTheRailroad/Sandbox/My Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway/My Miss Nellie Bly Special

The Miss Nellie Bly Special was a one-time, record-breaking passenger train operated by the Southern Pacific Railroad, the Atlantic and Pacific Railroad, and the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway from Oakland, California to Chicago, Illinois for the young reporter, Miss Nellie Bly. Miss Bly sought to best the fictional record of author Jules Verne's Phileas Fogg as documented in the novel Around the World in Eighty Days. In 1889, Miss Bly began her trek eastward from New York (pausing in Paris long enough to interview Verne), finally arriving in San Francisco on January 21, 1890.

Riding in a special train that set new speed records over the line, Miss Bly completed the 2,577-mile (4,147 km) journey in 69 hours, averaging 37 mph (60 km/h) in the process. Along the way, Miss Bly presented each division superintendent with a quart of Mumm's Extra Dry Champagne. In the end, Miss Bly's trip around the world took just 72 days, 6  hours, 11  minutes and 42 seconds.

Nellie Bly used this train as well as a connecting regularly scheduled train of the Pennsylvania Railroad from Chicago to Jersey City, New Jersey, to complete her around-the-world race.

Nellie Bly left New York for Southhampton, England on November 14, 1889, traveling eastward around the world. On the final leg of her journey, while at sea from Yokohama, Japan, to San Francisco, California, a severe snowstorm blockaded the Central Pacific Railroad at Emigrant Gap, California. Nellie Bly’s sponsoring newspaper, the New York World, therefore chartered this special to bypass the blockade. While originally planning to rejoin the Union Pacific Railroad further east at Trinidad, Colorado, and run over it and the Chicago and Northwestern to Chicago, the special instead continued to run over the Santa Fe to that city.

The Miss Nellie Bly special left Oakland, California, on January 22, 1890, at 9:02 AM Pacific time. The Special ran:

• from Oakland, California, to Mojave, California, on the Southern Pacific Railroad,
• Mojave to Albuquerque, New Mexico on the Atlantic and Pacific Railroad--with Nellie Bly running the locomotive between Williams, Arizona and Flagstaff, Arizona, and
• Albuquerque to Chicago, Illinois, on the Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railroad.

It arrived in Chicago at 8:00 AM Central time on January 24, 1890 .

When Bly's journey was announced, Elizabeth Bisland of the Cosmopolitan Magazine decided to raced Nellie Bly. With only that day to prepare, she basically reversed Bly’s itinerary. Miss Bisland left New York City's Grand Central Station at 6 PM the same day as Nellie Bly. She traveled to Buffalo, New York on the New York Central and Hudson River Railroad and on to Chicago on the Lake Shore and Michigan Southern Railway. She then took the Chicago and North Western Railroad to "Council Bluffs, Omaha." There Miss Bisland got on an experimental fast mail train of the Union Pacific Railroad for Ogden, Utah, running at times at 65 miles per hour. At Ogden, she took the Central Pacific railroad to Oakland, where she arrived on November 19, 1890. Taking the ferry across the bay to San Francisco, California, she visited the area while waiting for the Oceanic. Two days later, at 3 PM in the afternoon, she sailed for Yokohama, Japan. Miss Bisland's journey (in reverse) over the First Transcontinental Railroad, Chicago and North Western, and New York Central lines show the route Nellie Bly would have taken home had the snow blockade not occurred.

Snow Blockade (The Reason For The Special)

Nellie Bly left Yokohama on 7 January 1890 .Chief-engineer Allen of the Oceanic promised Nellie that they would arrive in San Francisco by January 20.

"When the trip was planned it was intended Miss Bly should come via the Central Pacific, and it was arranged to bring her across in 4-1/2 days, but the blockade forced her on the Southern route, which is one day to[o] slow."

Snow fall had been excessive in the area. "The greatest depth of snowfall reported for the month [of January, 1890 ] was two hundred and twenty-nine inches at Cisco, Cal., one hundred and ninety-four inches were reported at Towle’s, Cal., and one hundred and sixty-nine inches at Emigrant Gap, Cal. During the latter half of the month about one hundred and twenty miles of the Central Pacific Railroad crossing the summit of the Sierra Nevada range of mouutains was blockaded by snow. This was the heaviest snow blockade ever known on the Central Pacific Railroad."

"'We are watching the weather pretty carefully now,' said Mr. Hopson [of the New York World]. 'The snow-storm of yesterday [12 January] has already blocked the Western roads. They will undoubtedly be all cleared from the effects of this storm before we start East. We intend coming over the Union Pacific and passing through Chicago. In any event we shall still beat the time of Jules Verne's hero and avoid the difficulty of a snow blockade, which he encountered, by going where there is no snow. We have made arrangements, if the Union Pacific is snow-bound, to have a special train across the continent and run it over the Sunset Route-through Arizona, Texas, and New Orleans. The World's traveler is now sure to make the circuit in less than eighty days, good weather or bad.'"

Hopson, Railway editor for the New York World, made his statement when traveling with fellow World representative F. N. Turner. Hopson and Turner traveled together through Omaha. Turner went to Seattle. Hopson headed for San Francisco but became snowbound in Reno and missed the Nellie Bly Special.

John J. Jennings, another representative of the New York World, was sent two days in advance of Hopson.He became snowbound at Emmigrant Gap. The World told him to spare no expense to reach Nellie's train. Jonathan W. Deuel guided him and two others out on snowshoes. At Blue Canyon, they met a rotary snowplow. After riding it one mile, it became stuck. The party again traveled on snowshoes to Alta, California. There, two locomotives had been hired to take them at Sacramento. Once there, they learned that the Nellie Bly special had already left. However, Division Superintendent J. B. Wright arranged for a train to take Jennings to meet the Special at Lathrop.

Rain, as well as snow, was a concern for the Nellie Bly special. "The Southern Pacific road has been badly injured in the Tehachepi Mountains by washouts, and beyond Los Angeles the floods have done much damage. The only unobstructed road now is the Atlantic & Pacific, but as this depends on the Southern Pacific connection between the Mojave Desert and San Francisco and on the washed-out Southern Pacific line between Los Angeles and San Francisco travel on that may also be delayed at any moment, as it has been raining heavily in Southern California for days past, while it is snowing in the North...If she [Bly] arrives Tuesday [21 January] the Atlantic & Pacific is the only line that will offer anything like a certainty of getting through in six days, and a fresh washout in the Tehachepi Gorges, or the cave-in of one of the many tunnels, may close even that road."

Planning for the Nellie Bly Special

Sunday January 19, 1890—one day before Nellie Bly's estimated arrival and two days before her actual arrival—New York World officials contacted Colonel Goodman of the Southern Pacific Railroad "to spare no expense" to put together the Nellie Bly Special. Arrangements were made between Colonel Goodman and Mr. Wilder of the Southern Pacific Railroad and General Agent Bissell and Passenger Agent Spears of the Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railroad. "It is understood that the charge for the special transportation of Miss Bly [on the Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe railroad] was at the rate of $1 per mile, which would amount to $2191." "The Atchinson managers contracted to deliver Nellie Bly in Chicago in time to catch the 5 p.m. limited on the Pennsylvania for New York this afternoon [Friday 24 January 1890]."

Without the snow blockade, Nellie Bly would have traveled over the Union Pacific. The Union Pacific negotiated with the Santa Fe to have the Special diverted to their railroad at Trinidad, Colorado.. However, this would have delayed the Special ten hours.

On Thursday, the Chicago Daily Tribune reported that the Special "will reach Kansas City by 3 o'clock Friday morning and Chicago at 3 o'clock Friday afternoon in time to connect with the Pennsylvania limited express for New York.""Nellie Bly ahead of her schedule. "But early yesterday [Thursday] they found that they would arrive in Chicago with two or three hours to spare. Then it was determined to do some fast running and everything was ordered sidetracked from one to two hours ahead of the expected time of [?] the special, which, armed with a 'regardless order,' is striving to make Chicago between 5 and 9 this morning in time to catch the morning limited for New York."

Nellie Bly Special Timetable

(Column headers are explained in more detail at the bottom of the table)

Station	Distance	Time	Ave Spd	Notes
Left Oakland, California	0 mi (0 km)	9:00 AM Tuesday	___	SP
Needles, Arizona	382 mi (615 km)	4:30 AM(.75) Wednesday	40.2 mph (65 km/h)	A&P
Peach Springs	731 mi (1,176 km)	9:10 AM	74.8 mph (120 km/h)
Williams	819 mi (1,318 km)	11:10 AM	44.0 mph (71 km/h)
Winslow	911 mi (1,466 km)	1:40 PM	36.8 mph (59 km/h)
Albuquerque, New Mexico	1,197 mi (1,926 km)	9:36 PM	36.1 mph (58 km/h)	A&P/ATSF
Las Vegas	1,329 mi (2,139 km)	1:20 AM Thursday	35.4 mph (57 km/h)
Trinidad, Colorado	1,463 mi (2,354 km)	4:46 AM	39.0 mph (63 km/h)
La Junta	1,544 mi (2,485 km)	6:48 AM	39.8 mph (64 km/h)
Caddoa	1,578 mi (2,540 km)	7:27 AM	52.3 mph (84 km/h)
Coolidge, Kansas	1,631 mi (2,625 km)	8:28 AM	52.1 mph (84 km/h)
Garden City	1,697 mi (2,731 km)	9:45 AM	51.4 mph (83 km/h)
Pierceville	1,710 mi (2,752 km)	9:58 AM	60.0 mph (97 km/h)
Ingalls	1,722 mi (2,771 km)	10:11 AM	55.4 mph (89 km/h)
Dodge City	1,747 mi (2,812 km)	11:43 AM	46.9 mph (75 km/h)
Soearville	1,763 mi (2,837 km)	12:00 Noon	56.5 mph (91 km/h)
Kinsley	1,782 mi (2,868 km)	12:19 PM	60.0 mph (97 km/h)
Larned	1,807 mi (2,908 km)	12:47 PM	53.6 mph (86 km/h)
Great Bend	1,829 mi (2,943 km)	1:10 PM	57.4 mph (92 km/h)
Ellinwood	1,840 mi (2,961 km)	1:20 PM	66.0 mph (106 km/h)
Alden	1,856 mi (2,987 km)	1:36 PM	60.0 mph (97 km/h)
Nickerson	1,870 mi (3,009 km)	___	___
Hutchinson	1,881 mi (3,027 km)	2:13 PM	40.5 mph (65 km/h)
Halstead	1,904 mi (3,064 km)	2:46 PM	41.8 mph (67 km/h)
Newton	1,914 mi (3,080 km)	2:59 PM	46.2 mph (74 km/h)
Florence	1,942 mi (3,125 km)	3:42 PM	39.1 mph (63 km/h)
Emporia	1,987 mi (3,198 km)	4:37 PM	49.1 mph (79 km/h)
Osage City	2,014 mi (3,241 km)	5:09 PM	50.6 mph (81 km/h)
Burlingame	2,022 mi (3,254 km)	___	___
Topeka	2,049 mi (3,298 km)	6:05 PM	37.5 mph (60 km/h)
Lawrence	2,075 mi (3,339 km)	___	___
Argentine	2,110 mi (3,396 km)	7:27 PM	44.6 mph (72 km/h)
Kansas City, Missouri	2,115 mi (3,404 km)	7:40 PM	23.1 mph (37 km/h)
Lexington Junction	2,158 mi (3,473 km)	8:56 PM	33.9 mph (55 km/h)
Carrollton	2,183 mi (3,513 km)	9:40 PM estimated	34.1 mph (55 km/h)
Maroelline	2,221 mi (3,574 km)	10:48 PM	21.9 mph (35 km/h)
La Plata	2,255 mi (3,629 km)	11:52 PM	31.9 mph (51 km/h)
Hurdland	2,267 mi (3,648 km)	12:14 AM Friday	32.7 mph (53 km/h)
Ft. Madison, Iowa	2,335 mi (3,758 km)	2:22 AM	31.9 mph (51 km/h)
Galesburg, Illinois	2,390 mi (3,846 km)	3:37 AM	44.0 mph (71 km/h)
Princeville	2,423 mi (3,899 km)	4:15 AM	52.1 mph (84 km/h)
Chillicothe	2,437 mi (3,922 km)	4:36 AM	40.0 mph (64 km/h)
Streator	2,477 mi (3,986 km)	5:37 AM	39.3 mph (63 km/h)
Joliet	2,523 mi (4,060 km)	7:00 AM	33.3 mph (54 km/h)
Arr'd Chicago	2,574 mi (4,142 km)	8:00 AM	51.0 mph (82 km/h)
Explanation:
Station: Italic station identifies a station whose name, distance, and time were provided in a chart from "A remarkable run across the continent". A bold station identifies one where the train is known to have stopped--usually at division points to change crews and locomotives. A bold italic station is one where both of the preceding apply. Scan upwards to see "current" state.
Distance: Distance along the route from Oakland, California.
Time: The departure time from the station (except for Chicago). For bold stations, the value in ()'s is the difference between arrival and departure times in minutes—e.g.,:(0.75) means the train arrived at the station three-quarters of a minute earlier. Scan upwards to see "current" day of the week and date. "Tuesday" is Tuesday 21 January, 1890. "___" means that departure time was not recorded if a italic station or unknown.
Ave Spd: The average speed is calculated first by calculating the elapsed distance in miles from the previous station where time is shown to the current station divided by the elapsed time in minutes (miles/minute) and then multiplying by 60 for miles per hour.
Notes: Contain an abbreviation of the railroad or other information. Railroads are the Southern Pacific, Atlantic and Pacific, and Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe.

Nellie Bly in San Francisco and Oakland, California on Tuesday 21 January 1890

"A long, black and white checked ulster covered her [Nellie Bly] from neck to shoes, and a 'fore and aft' traveling cap, gave her the air of a tried traveler." Quote from "Nellie Bly. The Round-the-World Tourist Comes and Goes"

Nellie Bly arrived in Yokohama, Japan, on 2 January, 1890. Here, her ship, Steamer Oceanic RMS Oceanic (1870) of the Occidental and Oriental line had to wait until 7 January for the mail it would carry between China, Japan, and the United States. The ship departed at 10:55 AM.

Everything promised well for a pleasant and rapid voyage. Anticipating this, Chief-engineer Allen caused to be written over the engines and throughout the engine room, this date and couplet:

"For Nellie Bly,
We'll win or die.

January 20, 1890."

Nellie Bly had sent a cable that she would arrive on January 20. "But we had strong head wind and a tossing sea against us."

Extensive preparations had been made for Nellie Bly's arrival. "Deputy Collector of the Port E. O. Tuttle, Inspector of Customs T.J. Rundell, Dr. McAllister, the Quarantine Officer, and Capt. Byrne, Superintendent of the Occidental and Oriental steamers, were on the watch for the Oceanic all night." The tugboat Miller Griffin or Millen Griffins was available to meet the Oceanic as soon as it entered the Golden Gate. "R. A. Donaldson, the First Assistant General Passenger and Traffic Agent of the Southern Pacific Company, and Charles A. Law"spent the night on the special at Oakland, California. Charles A. Law had been selected by the San Francisco Examiner as a stand-in to escort Bly on her journey since the New York World reporters were snowbound.

As the ‘’Oceanic’’ was arriving, Nelly Bly’s bill of health could not be found and it was initially assumed to have been left back in Yokohama. This would mean everyone would be quarantined until it arrived on the next boat two weeks later. "'I would cut my throat, for I could not live and endure it,' I [Nellie Bly] said quietly, and that spurred him on to make another search, which resulted in finding the report safely lodged in the doctor's desk."

When the Oceanic "was sighted from Point Lobos about 6'oclock this morning [January 21]. The news was wired into the city" of San Francisco 37°47′43″N 122°23′37″W. The news was telephoned to Division Superintendent Wilder at the Oakland Pier. He passed the word to Engineer Lightner and Conductor C. H. Crocker on the Special to be ready to leave at any time. The locomotive had had "steam up" since noon the previous day. The tugboat set off with Tuttle, Rundell, Dr. McAllister, and Capt. Byrne and met the Oceanic at the quarantine location near Alcatraz Island. While the others passengers passed through quarantine here, Bly was transferred to the tug and taken to the railhead at the Oakland Mole37°48′19″N 122°19′58″W

My train consisted of one handsome sleeping-car, the San Lorenzo, and the engine, The Queen, was one of the fastest on the Southern Pacific.

"What time do you want to reach New York, Miss Bly?" Mr. Bissell, General Passenger Agent of the Atlantic and Pacific system, asked me.

"Not later than Saturday evening," I said, never thinking they could get me there in that time.

"Very well, we will put you there on time," he said quietly, and I rested satisfied that he would keep his word."

Pullman car San Lorenzo...has a buffet, drawing-room, observation parlor and all of the other usual luxurious equipments of a high class Pullman. The wood finishing is in bird's eye maple and mahogany and the upholstery of purple velvet.

At 9:00 or 9:02 AM ", 21 January 1890, Hank Lightner—“one of the oldest and coolest-headed engineers in the company” opened the throttle of the Queen and the ‘’Nelly Bly Special’’ began its journey.

San Francisco/Oakland speed records

"The Nellie Bly Special consumed fifty-eight hours in covering the distance between San Francisco and Kansas City—a wonderful run considering the country traversed."

The total Nellie Bly Special run was "2, 577 miles in exactly 69 hours, an average speed of 37-1/3 miles an hour"

Nellie Bly in the rest of California on Tuesday 21 January 1890

Port Costa, Martinez, and Antioch

Port Costa 38°02′47″N 122°11′00″W was the first train stop.

A number of railway officials escorted her as far as Port Costa among them being W. A. Bissell, General Freight and Passenger Agent of the Atlantic and Pacific Railroad; Samuel Miller [attache of the General Passenger Agent] of the Southern Pacific; A. D. Wilder, Division Superintendent of the Central Pacific, and R. A. Donaldson [who had waited overnight for Bly on the train], in whose charge the special train was placed.

The train continued past Martinez38°01′10″N 122°08′03″W and Antioch 38°00′18″N 121°48′21″W.

Lathrop

The Nellie Bly Special arrived at Lathrop 37°48′37″N 121°18′53″W at 11:40 AM.. Nellie Bly was joined here by her New York World escort John Jennings who had been snowbound. When Bly ate lunch here, she was "seated at the very table that Judge Stephen J. Field sat at when Deputy United States Marshal Nagle shot and killed Judge David S. Terry for making an attack on Field."

Merced

Merced 37°18′26″N 120°28′36″W was considered by Nellie Bly to be her "second stop.". Here she was surprised at the large crowd at the station and assumed that it was an organized picnic. However, when she learned that they had gathered for her, she went out on the back platform. The band played "The Girl I Left Behind Me" and "My Nellie's Blue Eyes." Here she shook hands with the women and children and received gifts of oranges, fruits, and nuts. "A large tray of fruit and candy and nuts, the tribute of a dear little newsboy, was passed to me, for which I was more grateful than had it been a gift of a king." The train "passed here" at 12:50 PM and was running at fifty miles per hour.

Fresno and Malaga

At Fresno 36°44′17″N 119°46′58″W the train arrived at 2:04 PM and stayed for about five minutes. G. A. Lowe of the San Fransisco Examier, who had accompanied Nellie Bly from Oakland, left the train at this stop and telegraphed his story to the Monarch and the New York World. An article dateline Fresno (possibly from G. A. Lowe) included comments by Nellie Bly on American railroad accommodations. "To a press representative she [Nellie Bly] said speaking of her trip around the world...As to travelling accommodations on the continent the railroads were horrid, their best cars not being equal to second class American coaches. Across Asia it was pleasant, but it was not until I entered this coach on American soil that I was able to enjoy anything like comfort." "A handsome basket of fruits and wines, products of Fresno County, were presented by Messrs. J. W. Ferguson, W. H. Daniels, Lyman L. Palmer and G. W. Callohan, all of the Freson Evening Expositor.The gentlemen accompany the train to Malaga." Malaga36°41′01″N 119°44′02″W is about six miles away.

Tulare and Sumner, now Kern

Several hundred people were at Tulare 36°12′28″N 119°20′50″W when the train arrived. "She had the usual number of lady visitors in her car." A large crowd met Nellie Bly at Sumner, now Kern 35°22′56″N 118°58′57″W

San Joaquin Valley

San Joaquin Valley source: 34°59′55″N 118°52′28″W mouth: 37°59′00″N 121°52′04″W

It did not seem long after we left Oakland Mole until we reached the great San Joaquin valley, a level green plain through which the railroad track ran for probably three hundred miles as straight as a sunbeam. The road-bed was so perfect that though we were traveling a mile a minute the car was as easy as if it were traveling over a bed of velvet.

Mojave

At 9.00 PM the Special reached Mojave 35°03′00″N 118°10′25″W. Here the Special left the Southern Pacific Railroad and joined the Atlantic and Pacific Railroad. The latter railroad later became a part of the Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe.

Special Agent C. F. Holton joins the train as an escort on the A & P to Albuquerque.

Among the admirers at the station were a group of travelers who wanted their cars to be connected to the Special. However, they were told this was impossible because the Special was a private train hired by the New York World. They had begun their journey by leaving San Francisco on the Central Pacific Railroad. They were delayed five days at Colfax, California waiting for the track to be shoveled out. They then were hauled back to Sacramento where they were again delayed by a large snowstorm. Finally they were sent south on the Southern Pacific. A few miles south of Tulare, two men came out on the front platform of the baggage car and ordered the engineer to stop the train. They then robbed the Wells Fargo Express car of $25,000. After taking the engineer a mile north of the train, they released him to walk back to his train. He then took the train to Mojave.

Nellie Bly in Arizona on Wednesday 22 January 1890

Nellie Bly crossed into Arizona about daylight. She received the following message:

Miss Nellie Bly: Brave young American; rough but honest Arizona greets you with a rousing western cheer.

"Arizonian."

"Arizona is not thickly settled. There are few communities of more than two or three hundred ... Most of the stations are section houses."

the Needles

At 4:30 AM on January 22, 1890, Nellie Bly reached "the Needles" in Arizona across the river from Needles, California 34°50′53″N 114°36′51″W. R. M. Bacheller got on the train during the three-quarters of a minute change of locomotives and crews. Mr. Bachelller took charge of the train from Needles to Chicago.

Prescott Junction later Seligman

Prescott Junction 35°19′33″N 112°52′36″W was the first opportunity that the snowbound adventures of John Jennings were related to the New York World. The name of Prescott Junction was changed to Seligman by the Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railroad.

Williams

At Williams 35°15′04″N 112°11′31″W, Nellie Bly got on locomotive 93, a 4-4-0, with Engineer Charles Wood, Fireman Sid Armstrong, and Master Mechanic John Puller. The train left Williams at 10:50 AM.

When Engineer Wood was not looking I would give the lever a little pull, [and] get on a little more steam...Fireman Sid Armstrong had all he could do to keep his feet and once or twice seemed trying to follow his shovel and coal into the boiler...For a new engineer the master mechanic said I was a rushing success.

Chalender

At Chalender, 35°14′04″N 112°01′31″W Nellie Bly saw an large opening in the timber which was the former battlefield of the Supai and Navajo Indians.

Arizona divide at Riordan

The Arizona divide at Riordan 35°11′48″N 111°44′49″W was crossed "a little after noon." Near this location was the sheep farm of the Daggs brothers that Nellie was told had 3 million sheep.

[After] pushing the lever and closing the throttle I was given charge of the air brake, which I managed under Mr. Wood's direction. There is an incline from the summit to the Town of Flagstaff of 3,000 feet, and no steam is used going down.

Flagstaff

At Flagstaff 35°11′48″N 111°39′01″W, Nellie Bly went back to her coach.

Canyon Diablo

Three hundred feet in the air, the bridge at Canyon Diablo 35°09′47″N 111°07′06″W was crossed at forty miles per hour. Later to become a Special Agent, C. F. Holton was one member of a posse that captured four cowboys who robbed an A & P train here.

Winslow

In a byline from Winslow, Arizona, 35°01′19″N 110°41′41″W Nellie Bly said "We are doing pretty well, I think. Thirty-six hours in America and I have traveled over 1,500 miles in that time."

Assistant General Freight Agent R. M. Bachellor of the A & P and Dr. Jerrimiah Sullivan, the road surgeon, joined the train. Mr Bachellor formed part of the escort to Chicago.

The Nellie Bly Special generally stopped only to change locomotives. Meals were eaten in her coach. At Winslow, R. A. Donaldson of the Southern Pacific sent in a warm meal.

It was a fine dinner, but we were obliged to give so much attention to keeping it on the table, owing to the speed of the train, that our appetite hadn't exactly a fair chance.

The New York World quotes the Denver Evening Times as reporting the train "went flying through this place [Winslow] at 2:30 O'clock at the rate of 40 miles per hour." This refers to the average speed. The same article reports that Mr. Hall, Santa Fe agent in Denver, explained that the Special's schedule speed was 40 miles per hour (64 km/h) requiring a speed of 60 miles per hour (97 km/h) in some stretches to compensate for time lost going up steep grades.

Winslow Speed Records

The 128-mile (206 km) trip from Winslow to Gallup, New Mexico, was made by engineer T. M. Hamill in 127 minutes for an average speed of 60.5 miles per hour (97 km/h). The 150-mile (241 km) trip from Winslow to Coolidge, New Mexico was made in exactly three hours for an average speed of 50 miles per hour (80 km/h).

Holbrook

Superintendent of Transportation Andrew Smith told Nellie Bly on the train of a special train that ran from Albuquerque, New Mexico to Holbrook. 34°54′00″N 110°09′29″W E. J. Simpson of the Aztec Coal Company hired a train for $300 to bring a doctor from Albuquerque, New Mexico to Holbrook in an ultimately unsuccessful effort to save Simpson's sick child. This train covered the 253 miles in 289 minutes or 52.5 miles per hour (84 km/h).

In a cottonwood grove which we passed, near Holbrook, Gen. Crook had one of his famous battles with the Navajos.

Navajo Springs

Navajo Springs 35°05′55″N 109°29′57″W was passed at 3:17 PM. The train covered the 73 miles from Winslow to Navajo Springs in 87 minutes or—according to this source—at 50.3 miles per hour (81 km/h).

Arizona–New Mexico state line near Lupton, Arizona

The Arizona–New Mexico state line 35°21′37″N 109°02′49″W near Lupton, Arizona, was crossed at exactly 4 PM.

Nellie Bly in New Mexico on Wednesday 22 January 1890 and Thursday 23 January 1890

Gallup

Engineer T. M. Hamill completed his run from Winslow, Arizona, with only one stop for water. Another locomotive and crew took over. " 'After I left my engine and it was being taken to the roundhouse, one of the big truck wheels rolled off. Had that occurred ten minutes earlier, Miss Bly's funeral would have been held thirty-two years earlier and I probably would not be relating this story of the trip.' "

Three miles east of Gallup 35°31′41″N 108°44′33″W, the Nellie Bly Special had a near disaster. Workman were replacing the stringers of a trestle "over a ravine fully one hundred feet deep." Since the ties normally rest on the stringers, in order to replace the stringers, the rails were elevated with jackscrews. The Special, traveling 50 miles per hour (80 km/h), came upon the track crew so suddenly that they could not flag it. With the throttle "wide open" , the weight of the train "bent the rails.".

"The engine and car went thundering over the ravine and passed over safely. "The escape is a miraculous one, and section-men who witnessed the train flash past on its straw-like structure regard the escape as one of the most marvelous in railway history."

In the book Nellie Bly wrote of her tour, when she says "but when I knew that my train had run safely across a bridge which was held in place only by jack-screws, and which fell the moment we were across", she has contradicted the newspaper article bylined January 24, 1890, that said "but frail as it was, the structure did not give way."

Gallup Speed Records

The 128-mile (206 km) trip from Winslow, Arizona to Gallup was made by engineer T. M. Hamill in 127 minutes for an average speed of 60.5 miles per hour (97 km/h).

Coolidge

Coolidge 35°27′13″N 108°21′38″W was reached at 5:30 PM. This is calculated from Nellie Bly's statement that the 150-mile (241 km) trip from Winslow, Arizona to Coolidge was made in exactly three hours and the same newspaper established that Winslow was passed at 2:30 PM.

At Coolidge I received the following telegram:

Winslow, Ari. Jan. 22.—To Nellie Bly:It is pardonable in us as Americans to say that your indomitable will and pluck are but characteristic of model young America. Get there, Nellie Bly, and God bless you.

"Winslow, Arizona."

Coolidge Speed Record

See Coolidge, above.

Continental Divide

The Continental Divide 35°25′23″N 108°18′26″W was crossed at Campbell Pass. "A little while later [after Coolidge] we crossed the Continental Divide, the highest point of the Rocky Mountains. The elevation where the Atlantic and Pacific road crosses is 7,200 feet above the sea level."

Laguna

Laguna 34°57′57″N 107°30′51″W was passed at 7:15 PM. Nellie Bly wished she had passed the Indian village there in daylight so she could see it better. The 300 year old village had two Spanish bells dated 1520. Twelve hundred Indians and three white men with Indian wives lived in the village. "The houses are doorless and windowless and the tenants go in and out through the roof."

Albuquerque

The Nellie Bly Special arrived at Albuquerque 35°05′04″N 106°39′04″W at 9:35 PM, at 9:37 PM, at 9:45 PM, or at 10 PM.

Nellie Bly noted that Albuquerque merged the modern town with the Indian settlement. It was the largest town she had past that day—a town of about 10,000. "A large delegation of citizens and Councilmen with ladies, headed by Mayor G. W. Maylert came into the car...The ladies and gentlemen spent some time in the car." Nellie Bly was "presented with a beautiful flower medallion and 1,000 or more citizens had cheered her lustily." At Albuquerque, she says "I have just heard of McGinty. Isn't it sad."

In contrast to Nellie Bly's account, the Chicago Daily Tribune reports that the Nellie Bly Special left Albuquerque at 9:38 PM--a minute's pause only long enough "to change engines and crews." It also reported that the Special was 37 minutes behind time owing to a sand storm on the Atlantic & Pacific.

At Albuquerque, the Special left the Atlantic and Pacific Railroad and connected with the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway. "My reception at Albuquerque last night was something of an ovation. I cannot soon forget it."

While "At Albuquerque, a special A, T & S. F. train of a day coach, a Pullman sleeper and an engine awaited Miss Bly" would seem to imply Nellie Bly changed trains, further newspaper references continue to mention the San Lorenzo until Chicago.

Superintedent Andrew Smith left the train here..

Albuquerque Speed Records

From Oakland, California to Albuquerque, 1,135 miles (1,827 km), was covered in "a little over thirty-six hours" or somewhat less than 31.5 miles per hour (51 km/h).

From Mojave, California to Albuquerque, New Mexico, 815 miles in 25 hours resulting in an average speed of 36.2 miles per hour (58 km/h).<NB Special 2 NB Ahead of Schedule>

From Williams, Arizona to Albuquerque, the maximum speed was 50 miles per hour (80 km/h).<NB Special 2 NB Ahead of Schedule>

The 67-mile (108 km) trip from Albuquerque to Lamy, New Mexico was covered in 98 minutes for an average speed of 41 miles per hour (66 km/h).

E. J. Simpson Special covered the 253 miles from Albuquerque to Holbrook, Arizona in 289 minutes or 52.5 miles per hour (84 km/h). (See Holbrook, Arizona, above.)

"We averaged 40 miles an hour in passing over the 345 miles between Albuquerque and La Junta, and twice we were at an elevation of over 7000 feet."

Between Albuquerque and Kansas City, the 918-mile (1,477 km) trip was made at an average speed of 46 miles per hour (74 km/h)--which included traversing both the Glorietta and Raton mountain passes. The peak speed was 60 miles per hour (97 km/h).

From Albuquerque to Chicago the average speed was 43 miles per hour (69 km/h) including stops.

Wallace

Wallace 35°30′39″N 106°19′12″W, now called Domingo, is three miles east of Santo Domingo Pueblo.

"Wallace, the next division terminal, was reached at 10:33. Here another change of engines and crews was made, with a loss of but two minutes."

"In 1890 Wallace was disbanded as a division point and all trains were run to Albuquerque."

Cerrillos

The Special stopped at Cerrillos 35°26′16″N 106°07′21″W to take on water.

Lamy

Lamy 35°28′50″N 105°52′48″W also known as Lamy Junction was passed at 11:25 PM.

Lamy Speed Records

The 67-mile (108 km) trip from Albuquerque, New Mexico to Lamy was covered in 98 minutes for an average speed of 41 miles per hour (66 km/h).

Las Vegas

The Special reached Las Vegas 35°35′36″N 105°12′44″W at 1:20 AM January 23, 1890. After changing locomotives and crews, the Special left three minutes later.

Las Vegas Speed Records

From Las Vegas to Raton, New Mexico, the 111-mile (179 km) trip was completed in two hours and thirty five minutes for an average speed of 43 miles per hour (69 km/h). "This is the fastest run ever made on this stretch of track." The schedule called for the trip to be completed in two hours and twenty three minutes for an intended average speed of 46.6 miles per hour (75 km/h).

Raton

Raton 36°54′02″N 104°26′15″W was passed at 3:58 AM or 4:00 AM.

Raton Speed Records

The Nellie Bly Special's scheduled time on the 111-mile (179 km) run between Las Vegas, New Mexico and Raton was two hours and twenty three minutes for a scheduled average speed of 46.6 miles per hour (75 km/h). The actual running times was two hours and thirty five minutes for an actual average speed of 43.0 miles per hour (69 km/h)..

From Raton to Coolidge, Kansas, the 212-mile (341 km) run was made in 220 minutes for an average speed of 57.8 miles per hour (93 km/h).

The journey from Raton to La Junta, 105 miles, was accomplished in two hours and forty-five minutes. For [?] of over ten miles on this division the maximum grade is fifty-eight feet to the mile, and on seven miles there is a maximum of 185 feet to the mile. The time on this portion of the trip beats the record and will go into railroad history as one of the phenomenal runs.

New Mexico—Colorado State Line

The New Mexico—Colorado state line 36°59′38″N 104°29′13″W was crossed at 3:50 AM.

Nellie Bly in Colorado on Thursday 23 January 1890

Trinidad

At 4:30 AM the Nellie Bly Special passed Trinidad. 37°10′22″N 104°30′27″W

The Union Pacific Railroad had been negotiating with the Santa Fe to have the Special diverted back over to their line at Trinidad to follow the originally planned route. The U.P. at least started to implement this plan.

"F. B. Semple, [Denver] passenger agent of the Union Pacific at midnight [Tuesday January 22] received a telegram that Nellie Bly would arrive at Trinidad Thursday morning. There she will take a special train over the Union Pacific for Council Bluffs via Denver...This change...will delay her about ten hours."

The Thursday edition of the Omaha World Herald reported that the Union Pacific Railroad had given up on this plan.

La Junta

The Nellie Bly Special arrived at La Junta 37°59′17″N 103°32′33″W at 6:43 AM. After a change of locomotives and crews it left at 6:47 AM. "The orders of the Santa Fe officials are to maintain a speed of fifty miles an hour from this point [La Junta] to Kansas City." The route east of La Junta was not finalized as late as yesterday.

La Junta Speed Records

"We averaged 40 miles an hour in passing over the 345 miles between Albuquerque and La Junta, and twice we were at an elevation of over 7000 feet."

The journey from Raton to La Junta, 105 miles, was accomplished in two hours and forty-five minutes. For [?] of over ten miles on this division the maximum grade is fifty-eight feet to the mile, and on seven miles there is a maximum of 185 feet to the mile. The time on this portion of the trip beats the record and will go into railroad history as one of the phenomenal runs.

From La Junta to Garden City (check this mileage):

The stop at La Junta was but brief, and then down the long Kansas hill the special took its flight. It ran the first fifty-two miles in one hour, the second fifty-two miles in fifty-seven minutes and the third fifty-two miles in an hour to the second. The last twenty-two miles of this distance was accomplished in exactly 22 minutes.

The average speed from La Junta to Kansas City was 50 miles per hour (80 km/h)

The 1,030 miles (1,658 km) from La Junta to Chicago was completed in twenty-four hours 12 minutes for an average speed of 42.5 miles per hour (68 km/h) "which is considerably better than the speed of the Pennsylvania limited for a distance 128 miles less.". Of this, 120 miles (193 km) were covered in 118 minutes for an average speed of 61 miles per hour (98 km/h). Also in the run from La Junta to Chicago, 69 miles (111 km) were covered in 53 minutes for an average speed of 78.1 miles per hour (126 km/h).

Las Animas

At 7:10 AM, the Special arrived at Las Animas. 38°04′00″N 103°13′22″W

Colorado, Kansas state line

"A little after 8'oclock [AM] we crossed the Kansas state line."38°02′41″N 102°02′41″W

Nellie Bly in Kansas on Thursday 23 January 1890

Coolidge

At Coolidge: 38°02′19″N 102°00′33″W "Here orders were given to exceed the speed limit of 50 miles per hour placed upon our speed in the first instructions." The Special was at Coolidge at 8:30 AM.

Syracuse

The Special reached Syracuse 37°58′50″N 101°45′10″W at approximately 8:43 AM.

Lakin

Lakin 37°56′30″N 101°15′20″W

Lakin speed records

"The greatest speed on the Colorado, or western, division was between [Lakin] and Dodge City, where seventy-two miles were covered in seventy-four minutes." for an average speed of 58.4 miles per hour (94 km/h). "There were points between Lakin and Dodge City at which we were running between 55 and 65 miles per hour."

Garden City

Garden City:37°58′18″N 100°52′22″W

A[t] 9:45 o'clock [AM] Garden City was reached, and if Miss Bly's vision had been of the scriptural kind she could have seen the only domesticated herd of buffalo in the world, which was corral[l]ed on "Buffalo" Jones' ranch just outside the city.

Garden City speed records

The readers of The Republic will appreciate how little time I had anywhere when they are told that from Garden City, Kas., we ran 250 miles in 250 minutes, and this, too, through important towns like Dodge City, Larned, Nickerson, Hutchinson, Newton, Peabody and Florence, at each of which there was a popular demonstration. Why at one place (I forget now which) I was told everybody in the town was at the depot to see me.

Pierceville

The Special left Pierceville 37°52′55″N 100°40′33″W at 9:58 AM. "The engineer in whose care we were at this time was L. II. Weir, one of the best men on the Santa Fe system."

Pierceville speed records

The 19-mile (31 km) trip from Piercewille to Cimarron was made in 17 minutes for an average speed of 67 miles per hour (108 km/h).

Cimarron

Seventeen minutes after Pierceville would place the Special passing Cimarron 37°48′20″N 100°20′55″W at 10:15 AM.

Cimarron speed records

The 19-mile (31 km) trip from Piercewille to Cimarron was made in 17 minutes for an average speed of 67 miles per hour (108 km/h).

Howell

Howell: 37°47′00″N 100°10′46″W

Howell speed record

"The 250 miles west of Emporia, Kansas, were covered in exactly 250 minutes" for an average speed of 60 miles per hour (97 km/h).

Dodge City

The Special reached Dodge City 37°45′09″N 100°01′00″W at 10:37 Mountain time and departed four minutes later at 11:41 AM Central time.

"The Mayor of Dodge City [R. H. Evans] and several newspaper men came into the car and the Mayor presented in behalf of the citizens two documents--one an expression of the citizens' wishes and the other a poetic tribute from the same source."

Dodge City speed records

"The greatest speed on the Colorado, or western, division was between [Lakin] and Dodge City, where seventy-two miles were covered in seventy-four minutes." for an average speed of 58.4 miles per hour (94 km/h). "There were points between Lakin and Dodge City at which we were running between 55 and 65 miles per hour."

"A spurt of 69 miles near Dodge City was made in 55 minutes" for an average speed of 75.3 miles per hour (121 km/h).

The greatest record, however, and which may justly be called a "world beater," was made between Dodge City and Hutchinson, a distance of 134 miles, down the side of the river without a perceptible curve. The run was made in exactly 134 minutes, or at the rate of a mile a minute.

Another source varies somewhat and states the 124 miles (200 km) trip from Dodge City to Henderson was completed in 130 minutes including four stops for an overall rate of 57.2 miles per hour (92 km/h) though many of the miles were covered at the mile-a-minute rate.

Larned

Larned 38°10′38″N 99°05′53″W

I must not forget Larned. I was received their with cheers by several hundred men...One man shouted "We are glad you came through Kansas. We held off a snow-storm to let you through all right."

Nickerson

The Special reached Nickerson 38°08′50″N 98°05′01″W at 1:33 PM.

Hutchinson and Newton

The Special arrived at Hutchinson: 38°03′21″N 97°55′48″W at 2:00 PM and left at 2:15 PM. During the stop, Nellie Bly met with the press and discussed her trip.

Hutchinson was not scheduled for a stop of more than a minute, but fully 3,000 people were at the station and they swarmed ovr the tracks and made such demonstrations that the stay was prolonged to seven minutes. Amid enthusiastic cheering, Miss Bly appeared on the rear platform and a tremendus rush followed by those who wished to shake her hand. Not all the 3,000 succeeded in grasping the digits of the fair traveler, but those who did--so foud that she had the true Cleveland grip. As a fair indication of Miss Bly's physical condition it may be stated that the buffet ran short of provisions just before Hutchinson was reached, and the steward was glad to see Frank Young of the Santa Fe hotel come aboard with a fresh supply.

"At Hutchinson a large crowd and the Ringgold Cornet Band greeted me"

"I met many ladies in the large gatherings at Hutchinson. Three ladies came on the train and rode with me to Newton. Two dozen would have come had they knew they would be welcome." Newton: 38°02′50″N 97°20′40″W

Hutchinson speed record

The greatest record, however, and which may justly be called a "world beater," was made between Dodge City and Hutchinson, a distance of 134 miles, down the side of the river without a perceptible curve. The run was made in exactly 134 minutes, or at the rate of a mile a minute.

Another source varies somewhat and states the 124 miles (200 km) trip from Dodge City to Henderson was completed in 130 minutes including four stops for an overall rate of 57.2 miles per hour (92 km/h) though many of the miles were covered at the mile-a-minute rate.

Peabody and Florence

Peabody 38°09′53″N 97°06′15″W and Florence 38°14′40″N 96°55′41″W were among "the important towns ... at each of which there was a popular demonstration."

Emporia

From Emporia 38°24′14″N 96°10′54″W to Kansas City, the engineer was John Carpenter and the conductor was H. E. Griffin. The locomotive was either number 459 or 469. It was a Manchester-Blood locomotive with drivers 5 feet 8 inches (2 m) in diameter. A Kansas City Times representative got on the train. "When the special arrived Emporians to the number of 1,000 showed their appreciation of Miss Bly's undertaking by cheering her and striving to shake hands with her. A basket of flowers was presented by the Emporia News."

Emporia speed records

The 250 miles (402 km) west of Emporia was covered in 250 minutes for an average speed of 60 miles per hour (97 km/h)..

The 128-mile (206 km) trip from Emporia to Argentine, Kansas was covered in two hours and fifty-two minutes for an average speed of 44.6 miles per hour (72 km/h).

Topeka

When the Mitchell Daily Republican went to press on Friday 24 January 1890, the paper did not know if the Special was going to pass through Topeka, or take the Emporia-Ottawa cutoff.

The Special arrived in Topeka 39°03′06″N 95°39′55″W according to one source at 5:30 PM "three hours ahead of scheduled time" and another source at 4:45 PM "six hours ahead of scheduled time." "Over ten thousand people greeted me at Topeka." "Several thousand people caused her by their cheers to seek the platform of her car. She shook hands with hundreds and waved her adieus as the train rushed away."

Topeka speed records

The 67-mile (108 km) trip from Topeka to Kansas City was made in 70 minutes for a running speed of 57 miles per hour (92 km/h). "Between Topeka and Kansas City we ran 13 miles in 11 minutes" for a running speed of this portion of the run of 71 miles per hour (114 km/h).

Argentine

The Special arrived at Argentine 39°04′30″N 94°40′21″W at 7:27 PM "and resumed its trip in one minute." Several hundred people were waiting at the station.

The train did not stop at the usual stopping place, and there was a rush down the track in the direction of the engine that was to relieve old [459? 469?], which drew the party from Emporia. Before the train stopped a score of people had jumped on the platforms and were pushing their way into the "San Lorenzo."...There was a ringing of the bell, a toot or two from the whistle and engine 600, with old and trusty Dan Daly at the throttle started off towards Kansas City. The crowd scattered, many leaving the train before the Argentine yards were passed.

Engine 600, constructed with special reference to fast service, a new one, that has made but three trips between Chicago and Kansas City, headed the procession. It has a self feeding coal attachment and carries such a quantity of fuel and water as to make stoppages almost unnecessary.

Superintendent Nixon, City Ticket Agent Hagenbush, and Mr. Altherger, chief dispatcher of the union depot, were among those who rode the train from Argentine to Grand avenue. Miss Maud Marston (penname "Miss Muffett") from the Kearney Nebraska Enterprise joined the train and rode it to Galesburg, Illinois.

Miss Marson is a very bright newspaper young lady...[who] is very pretty and very plump young woman with a very long head. As an evidence of this last named feature it may be related that when a [Kansas City] Times man presented her to Miss Bly she shook hands with the young lady traveler and immediately retired to another part of the car with the remark that she would "not to bother you now, for the other folks who will get off soon want an interview."...When John J. Jennings ... was telling the reporter the names of the persons in the party he forgot to include the new acquisition—Miss Muffett.

"That's all, is it?" queried the reporter.

"O, no," replied Mr. Jennings, still forgetting Miss Muffet[t]; "there is a young [Nellie Bly's] monkey on board."

"That is me then, I suppose," said Miss Muffet[t], with a pretty pout.

The gallant Mr. Jennings hastened his assurance that he had wholly forgotten the new member and Miss Muffet[t] smilingly bowed her forgiveness.

Argentine Speed Records

The 128-mile (206 km) trip from Emporia to Argentine, Kansas was covered in two hours and fifty-two minutes for an average speed of 44.6 miles per hour (72 km/h).

Nellie Bly in Missouri on Thursday 23 January 1890

Kansas City

The stop in Kansas City, Missouri 39°05′13″N 94°34′54″W lasted only three minutes."The belt line was followed and but for the crowd of local newspaper men and Santa Fe officials on the train no stop would have been made in Kansas City at all."

"I was very anxious to go to Kansas City, but we only went to the station outside of the limits, in order to save thirty minutes."

"Telegrams received from every section boss upon the line indicate that the roadbed of the Santa Fe east of Kansas City is frozen solidly and that if it were all rock bal[l]asted it could be in no better condition for making fast time."

Kansas City speed records

"The Nellie Bly Special consumed fifty-eight hours in covering the distance between San Francisco and Kansas City—a wonderful run considering the country traversed."

Between Albuquerque and Kansas City, the 918-mile (1,477 km) trip was made at an average speed of 46 miles per hour (74 km/h)--which included traversing both the Glorietta and Raton mountain passes. The peak speed was 60 miles per hour (97 km/h).

The average speed from La Junta to Kansas City was 50 miles per hour (80 km/h)

The 67-mile (108 km) trip from Topeka to Kansas City was made in 70 minutes for a running speed of 57 miles per hour (92 km/h). "Between Topeka and Kansas City we ran 13 miles in 11 minutes" for a running speed of this portion of the run of 71 miles per hour (114 km/h).

Nellie Bly in Iowa on Friday 24 January 1890

Fort Madison

The Special passed Fort Madison 40°37′47″N 91°18′55″W at 2:22 AM.

Nellie Bly in Illinois on Friday 24 January 1890

Galesburg

At Galesburg 40°56′38″N 90°21′51″W, Mary "Miss Muffett" Marston of the Kearney, Nebraska Enterprise got off the train and telegraphed her interview to the newspaper.

Joliet

At Joliet 41°31′29″N 88°04′45″W members of the Chicago Press Club, led by Vice President Mr. Cornelius Gardener, joined the train to escort Nellie Bly to Chicago. Nellie Bly had had only two hours sleep, staying up to 4 AM first with her interview with Miss Muffett and then with her stenographer "who was sea-sick from the motion of the train.""Before we were in [Chicago] I had answered all their questions, and we joked about my sun-burnt nose and discussed the merits of my one dress, the cleverness of the monkey, and I was feeling happy and at home and wishing I could stay all day in Chicago.

Chicago

The Nellie Bly Special arrived in Chicago41°52′43″N 87°38′23″W at 8:00 AM of Friday January 24, 1890. Carriages took Nellie Bly and the Press Corp to the Press Club. There she met the Preident of the Club, Stanley Waterloo, and other newsmen. Her reception was improvised since they had not expected Bly before noon and did not have time to notify their members of her early arrival. The reception lasted until 9:15 AM. The party then had breakfast at Kinsley's and then visited the Chicago Board of Trade.

When we went in, the pandemonium which seems to reign during business hours was at its height. My escorts took me to the gallery, and just as we got there a man raised his arm to yell something to the roaring crowd, when he saw me, and yelled instead:

"There's Nellie Bly!"

In one instant the crowd that had been yelling like mad became so silent that a pin could have been heard fall to the floor. Every face, bright and eager, was turned up towards us, instantly every hat came off, and then a burst of applause resounded through the immense hall. People can say what they please about Chicago, but I do not believe that anywhere else in the United States a woman can get a greeting which will equal that given by the Chicago Board of Trade. The applause was followed by cheer after cheer and cries of "Speech!" but I took off my little cap and shook my head at them, which only served to increase their cheers.

The Press Club party then went to the Pennsylvania Railroad station where they said their good-byes. Nellie Bly boarded the regularly scheduled express train that had been held for her and traveled "via the Panhandle route on the first section of train No. 20." in drawing room 13 of car Ilion.

Chicago speed records

The total Nellie Bly Special run was "2,577 miles in exactly 69 hours, an average speed of 37+1⁄3 miles an hour" or 60.08 km/h.

The normal scheduled time between Oakland and Chicago was eighty-four hours, for an average speed using the same distance of 30.6 mph (49.2 km/h).

The 1,030 miles (1,658 km) from La Junta to Chicago was completed in twenty-four hours 12 minutes for an average speed of 42.5 miles per hour (68 km/h) "which is considerably better than the speed of the Pennsylvania limited for a distance 128 miles less.". Of this, 120 miles (193 km) were covered in 118 minutes for an average speed of 61 miles per hour (98 km/h). Also in the run from La Junta to Chicago, 69 miles (111 km) were covered in 53 minutes for an average speed of 78.1 miles per hour (126 km/h).

The conclusion of Nellie Bly's journey after the Special

Nellie Bly, in charge of Conductor Kerlin, took a regular express train, train number 20, on the Pittsburgh, Cincinnati, Chicago and St. Louis Railroad otherwise known as the Pan Handle Route. Superintendent Watts had been following Bly's progress and arranged that the express be held thirty minutes at Chicago so his railroad would be the one chosen by Nellie Bly. Most of this delay was made up early for the train, due in at Logansport, Indiana, at 1:47 PM, arrived only five minutes late.

Three hundred people was at the platform waiting for Bly as the train stopped at the New Johnson house for a meal. Nellie Bly was the last one out of her car but a reporter recognized her. A path was cleared for her and the crowd watched her eat. "When I sat down, several dishes were put before me bearing the inscription, 'Success, Nellie Bly.'"

At Logansport, Indiana, Bly denied to reporters the rumor that she was engaged to Dr. Frank Ingram. They had become friends when he was the Assistant Superintendent of the Women's Lunatic Asylum at Blackwell Island during her undercover reporting there.

"It was after dark when we reached Columbus, where the depot was packed with men and women waiting for me. A delegation of railroad men waited upon me and presented me with beautiful flowers and candy, as did a number of private people." The Pittsburg Press sent a reporter to travel from Columbus to Pittsburgh to interview Nellie Bly. "Never in his memory, the Columbus stationmaster said, not from former President Cleveland in 1887 and 1888 or for President Harrison, had there been such pandemonium to greet an arriver—and fully half the crowd was women."

While the locomotives were being changed at Pittsburgh, railroad employees presented Nellie Bly with flowers and candy. The train passed Pittsburgh at 3:00 AM or perhaps arrived precisely at 3:10 AM.

Nellie Bly went to sleep after Pittsburgh and slept until Harrisburg. There she was greeted by thousands including the Harrisburg Wheelman's Club who presented her with a wreath. A number of Philadelphia newspapermen got on board. "At Lancaster I received an enthusiastic reception."

The train arrived at Philadelphia's Broad Street Station according to some accounts at 1:48 PM. Another account lists an arrival at 1:(25?) PM and departure at 1:40 PM. Over 5,000 came to see her--among them, Bly's mother; Julius Chambers, the Worlds managing editor; Judge Leicester Holme representing the mayor; and Cora Linn Daniels who had written a welcoming poem. During her trip from Chicago to Philadelphia, Nellie Bly had dictated an account of her journey to a stenographer in preparation for the New York World Sunday feature.

After Nellie's speech and the train has left Philadelphia, Nellie Bly was taken to The Beatrice car where she had a closed-door reunion with her mother.

I was told when we were almost home to jump to the platform the moment the train stopped at Jersey City, for that made my time around the world. The station was packed with thousands of people, and the moment I landed on the platform, one yell went up from them, and the cannons at the Battery and Fort Greene boomed out the news of my arrival. I took off my cap and wanted to yell with the crowd, not because I had gone around the world in seventy-two days, but because I was home again.

The train arrived in Jersey City at 3:51 PM on January 25, 1890, making her time around the world as 72 days, 6 hours, 11 minutes and 42 seconds. "The depot was crowded to the very bridges of the ferries, fully 15,000 people having gathered to welcome her.". Three carriages took Nellie Bly and her party on the Cortland street ferry across to New York with river craft saluting her passage.

At 4:15 pm Nellie Bly and her party reached the New York offices of The World. "There were fully 10,000 persons in Park Row, cheering and waving handkerchiefs, and stopping the immense traffic of that thoroughfare." The crowd that had followed her from the ferry stayed outside for an hour while Nellie attended an informal reception in her honor at the paper.[#refNWins|"Nellie Wins"]]</ref>

Need to put in Nellie Bly SF article and LA paper and Miss Muffett

see argetine and galesburg again

jarrett & palmer special sp_11C54E5CC782D618.pdf

Link to Denver This is red text

Other cities related to the Nellie Bly Special

The Nellie Bly Special did not pass through these cities. However, they were either on potential routes or the citizens expected the Nellie Bly Special to pass through their town.

Denver, Colorado

I received the following telegram this morning: "Denver, Colo, Jan 23—To Nellie Bly: Good Luck to Nellie Bly, may you have a safe and rapid journey along the Arkansas River, the old, historic trail of Coronado centuries ago, where Zebulum Pike and his brave explorers marched over 80 six [sic.] years ago, and where Kit Carson made his first trip over the old Santa Fe trail in 1826. Great interest in Denver over your race against time. Again, good luck to you, Nellie Bly. "Will C. Ferrill."

See also the discussion at Trinidad, Colorado.

Omaha

41°15′02″N 95°55′55″W

Elizabeth Bisland

council bluffs

39°05′00″N 94°37′01″W

References

Books

Bianculli, Anthony J. (2001). Locomotives vol 1. Trains and technology : the American railroad in the nineteenth century. Newark, Delaware: University of Delaware. p. 155. Retrieved 12 May 2010.

Bly, Nellie (27 January 2010 (Print on demand book)). Around the World in Seventy-Two Days. Gloucester, Great Britain: Dodo Press. ISBN 978-1-4099-1569-0. Retrieved 30 January 2009. {{cite book}}: Check date values in: |date= (help) Also known as: Nellie Bly's Book: Around the World in Seventy-Two Days/...72 Days

Bryant, Jr., Keith L. (1974). History of the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway. Trans-Anglo Books, Glendale, CA. ISBN 0-8032-6066-0.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)

Burrows, Maud Marston ("Miss Muffet"). Kearney newspaper clippings. Kearney Nebraska Public Library. pp. 19–24. {{cite book}}: |format= requires |url= (help)

Articles in scrapbook

Ref Letter	Scrapbook	Title
A	p. 19 col 1.	Untitled
B	p. 19 col 2.	"Miss Muffet and Nellie Bly"
C	p. 19 col 2.	Untitled
D	p. 19 col 2.	Untitled
E	p. 19 col 2.	"Miss Muffet has succeeded" continued in col 3.
F	p. 19 col 3.	"Kearney gets 'a scoop' on Chicago"
G	p. 19 col 3.	"Nellie Bly. As seen through the eyes of an enterprising lady reporter". Republican Register. Galesburg, Illinois. Friday January 24, 1890. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help) continued on p 20 Col 1 and 2.
H	p. 20 col 2.	"On the Bly Special" Continues in Col 3, three cols on p. 21, 3 cols on p22, col 1 of p 23.
I	p. 20 Col 3.	"After Nellie Bly"
J	p. 20 Col 3.	"Muffet breakfasts with Bly"
K	p. 23 Col 1.	Untitled
L	p. 23 Col 1.	"We lift our hat"
M	p. 23 Col 2.	Untitled
N	p. 23 Col 2.	"Maud Marston's great hit"
O	p. 23 Col 2.	"Nellie Bly says herself" Continues in Col 3
P	p. 23 Col 3.	"Miss Marston's journey"
Q	p. 23 Col 3.	"What our friend Ross thinks of it"
R	p. 23 Col 3.	"A scoop on western dailies" Continues on p 24. Col 1.
S	p. 24 three columns "She's home again" Life magazine's satire of Sadie McGinty's mission to travel around New York Island in 80 years.

Hulaniski, F. J. (1917). The history of Contra Costa County. California. ISBN 0812919734.

Julyan, Robert Hixson (1998). The Place Names of New Mexico. Albuquerque, New Mexico: University of New Mexico.

Kirkman, Marshall M. (1904). Railway Organization. The Science of Railways. Vol. 2. New York: World Railway Publishing. Retrieved 28 February 2010.

Kroeger, Brooke (1994). Nellie Bly: daredevil, reporter, feminist. Times Book, Random House. ISBN 0812919734.

McClintock, James A. (1916). Arizona: Prehistoric--Aboriginal--Pioneer--Modern. Vol. 1. Chicago: S. J. Clarke. Retrieved 28 February 2010.

Valle, James E.; Delano, Jack (1978). The Iron Horse at War. The United States Government's photodocumentary ... Berkeley, California: Howell-North Books. OCLC 164912821. Retrieved 6 March 2010 (The publisher is listed in the detailed contents of the OCLC record. The image of the title page in the German library only lists Valle as author.). {{cite book}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)

Journal

"2,224 miles at over 51 miles an hour". The Railway Magazine: 258. September 1905. Retrieved August 1, 2010. The title, itself, refers to the Scott Special

"The 'Nellie Bly' Special". Santa Fe Magazine. XVI (4). Chicago: [Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railroad]: 25–26. March 1922. {{cite journal}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |1= (help)

"A remarkable run across the continent". The Railway Age. 15 (4). Chicago: The Railway Age: 58. 25 January 1890. {{cite journal}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |1= (help)

United States Signal Service Monthly Weather Review. XVIII (1). Washington City: United States Signal Service: 2. January 1890 http://docs.lib.noaa.gov/rescue/mwr/018/mwr-018-01-0001b.pdf. Retrieved 17 October 2009. {{cite journal}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |1= (help); Missing or empty |title= (help)

Newspapers

"Across the Continent. Nellie Bly Speeding Over the Atlantic & Pacific Road". Chicago Daily Tribune: 2. January 23, 1890. {{cite journal}}: Cite has empty unknown parameters: |1= and |2= (help)

"Around the World in 75 Days". The Sumner Gazette. X (5). Sumner, Bremer County, Iowa: 1. January 30, 1890. {{cite journal}}: Cite has empty unknown parameters: |1= and |2= (help)

"'Bon Voyage, Miss Nellie'". Kansas City Times. Kansas City, Missouri: 5. January 24, 1890. {{cite journal}}: Cite has empty unknown parameters: |1= and |2= (help)

"A delay for Nellie Bly. She will come east via Denver and at Chicago will take the Michigan Central". New Haven Evening Register. New Haven, Connecticut. 22 January 1890. p.1, col 1. bottom.

"Enthusiasm in Denver. Everyone is Talking About Nellie Bly's Flying Trip Homeward". New York World. XXX (10, 383): 1. January 23, 1890. {{cite journal}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |1= (help)

"Fifty Miles Per Hour. Nellie Bly will make the journey to Chicago in three days". Oakland Daily Evening Tribune. Oakland, California. 23 January 1890. p.1, col 1. 2/3.

"Flying Home". The World. XXX. New York: 1. January 23, 1890. {{cite journal}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |1= (help)

"Flying Nellie Bly". The Daily New Mexican. ?. ?: ?. January 23, 1890. {{cite journal}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |1= (help)

"Gives Omaha the go-by". World Herald. Omaha, Nebraska. 23 January 1890. Vol. XXV Issue 114 p.2, col 6. bottom.

"Greetings at Tulare". New York World. XXX: 1. January 22, 1890. {{cite journal}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |1= (help)

"Her Seventieth Day". The Republic. LXXXI (21776). St. Louis, Missouri: 3. January 24, 1890. {{cite journal}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |1= (help)

"The last chance to guess about Nellie Bly. What will be the exact time consumed in days, hours, minutes, and seconds in her trip around the world?". The World. New York. 23 January 1890. p.2, col 3-4. top.

"Nellie arrives. Nellie Bly arrives in this city five minutes late". ?. Logansport, Indiana. ?. col 4. top. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)

"Nellie Bly". Daily Boomerang. IX (266). Laramie Wyoming Territory: 1. January 23, 1890. {{cite journal}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |1= (help)

"Nellie Bly". Chillicothe Morning Constitution. Chillicothe, Missouri. January 25, 1890. p.2, col 5. 3/4 Down. {{cite news}}: |access-date= requires |url= (help)

"Nellie Bly. The Round-the-World Tourist Comes and Goes". Evening Bulletin. LXIX (89). San Francisco: 1. January 21, 1890.

"Nellie Bly. She arrives in San Francisco to-day". The Daily Evening News. San Francisco, California. January 21, 1890. col 2. top.

"Nellie Bly Ahead of Her Schedule". Chicago Daily Tribune: 2. January 23, 1890. {{cite journal}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |1= (help)

"Nellie Bly around the world". Eldora Weekly Register. Eldora, Hardin County, Iowa. 30 January 1890. p.2, col 4. top.

"Nellie Bly at Albuquerque". Chicago Daily Tribune: 2. January 23, 1890. {{cite journal}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |1= (help)

"Nellie Bly At Fresno". New York World. XXX: 1. January 22, 1890. {{cite journal}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |1= (help)

"Nellie Bly's Fast Ride". Chicago Herald: 3. January 24, 1890. {{cite journal}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |1= (help)

"Nellie Bly ahead of her schedule". Chicago Daily Tribune. 23 January 1890. p.2.

"Nellie Bly Arrives". Salt Lake City Daily Tribune. Salt Lake City, Utah. January 26, 1890. p.1, col 5. 3/4 down vol. XXXVIII no. 89.

"Nellie Bly Arrives. She consumes 72 days, 6 hours and 11 minutes in circling the globe". Burlington Hawk-Eye. Burlington, Iowa. January 26, 1890. Section 2, p. 5, col. 7, 2/3 down.

"Nellie Bly Happy". Omaha World Herald. XXV (114). Omaha, Nebraska: 2. January 23, 1890. {{cite journal}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |1= (help)

"Nellie Bly is ahead of time". Mitchell Daily Republican. Mitchell, South Dakota. 24 January 1890. Vol. VII No. 163 p.1, col 3. middle.

"Nellie Bly May be Delayed". Chicago Daily Tribune: 1. January 20, 1890. {{cite journal}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |1= (help)

"Nellie Bly on the Homestretch". The Daily Oregonian: ?. January 22, 1890.

"Nellie Bly Talks". The World. XXX (10, 383). New York: 1–2. January 23, 1890. {{cite journal}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |1= (help)

"Nellie Bly's Trip". The Cedar Rapids Evening Gazette. Cedar Rapids, Iowa. January 25, 1890. p.1, col 3. 3/4 down Vol 8 No. 15.

"Nellie Bly's tour ended". Alton weekly telegraph. ?. January 30, 1890. p.2, col 2. top.

"Nellie Bly's tour ended...At Philadelphia". Decatur Morning News. Decatur, Illinois. January 26, 1890. p.1, col 2. 1/3 down vol XII No. 49.

"Nellie Bly's tour ended. The intrepid traveler tendered a most cordial greeting at Pittsburg". Duluth Morning Review. January 26, 1890. vol XII No. 49 p.1, col 2. top.

"Nellie Bly's Trip". Omaha World Herald. XXV (113). Omaha, Nebraska: 8. January 14, 1890. {{cite journal}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |1= (help)

"Nellie Bly to Make the Trip Around the World in Less than Eighty Days [Alger's Planning for '92…Nellie Bly to Make the Trip Around the World in Less than Eighty Days]". Chicago Daily Tribune: 8. January 14, 1890. {{cite journal}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |1= (help)

"Nelly Bly. Winding Up Her Great Trip Around the World. A Fast Run". The Daily Republican. Fresno City, California: ?. 22 January 1890.

"Nellie Wins". 131370491. ?. January 27, 1890. p.?, col 2. top.

"On Snow Shoes". The Daily Republican. Fresno City, California: ?. January 22, 1890. {{cite journal}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |1= (help)

"On the Way to New York. Nellie Bly Transferred from a Steamer to a Special Train". Chicago Daily Tribune: 1. January 22, 1890. {{cite journal}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |1= (help)

"On Time! Nellie Bly Arrived Yesterday and is Speeding Home". The World. New York. January 22, 1890. p. 1 col 6-8. {{cite news}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |1= (help)

"On Time! Nellie Bly Arrived Yesterday and is Speeding Home. Arrival of the Escort". New York World. XXX: 1. January 22, 1890. {{cite journal}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |1= (help)

"On Time! Nellie Bly Arrived Yesterday and is Speeding Home. A Serenade at Merced". New York World. XXX: 1. January 22, 1890. {{cite journal}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |1= (help)

"Railroad Ramblings". Las Vegas Daily Optic. XI (76). East Las Vegas, Nevada: 1. January 30, 1890. {{cite journal}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |1= (help)

"Raising the Blockade--The Perilous Trip of the Escort Corps Over the Snow". The World. XXX (10, 383). New York: 2. January 23, 1890. {{cite journal}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |1= (help)

"Sixty Miles An Hour". Chicago Daily Tribune: 1. January 24, 1890. {{cite journal}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |1= (help)

"Spinning Through Arizona". New York World. XXX: 2. January 23, 1890. {{cite journal}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |1= (help)

"[The train which carried Nellie Bly...(untitled)]". Macon Telegraph. Macon Georgia. 6 February 1890. p.1, col 1. middle.

"Train-Robbers in California". Chicago Daily Tribune: 1. January 29, 1890. {{cite journal}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |1= (help)

"Verne beaten by a woman". Salt Lake Daily Tribune. Salt Lake City, Utah. 25 January 1890. p.1, col 5. middle.

"The Welcome at Sumner". New York World. XXX: 1. January 22, 1890. {{cite journal}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |1= (help)

"The Wonderful Trip of Nellie Bly". Jackson Sentinal. ?. Maquoketa, Iowa: ?. January 30, 1890. {{cite journal}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |1= (help)

"A World Flyer". Duluth Daily Tribune. XX. Duluth, Minnesota: 1. January 25, 1890. {{cite journal}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |1= (help)

See also

• Passenger train service on the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway