Life in the Camp

 By: Caitlin Nichols





            

           The life on the side lines of the railroad constructers was no safe place. Their life style was improper and the men were always ready to move to their next temporary homes. The buildings were built of feeble wood, and were the opposite of luxurious. When the men weren't working on the railroad, they were gambling, drinking and playing games, such as russian roulette. There were modified dance halls, saloons and brothels. Unfortunately, the men were paid very little money and the authorities treated them with little respect or worth. Julesburg, a dead town in Colorado, was brought back to life, in 1867, for the brief time the men were constructing the railroad. Regrettably, once they finished and packed up their stuff, the town expired forever. The nickname these manufacturers received, after progressing through many towns, was Hell on Wheels, for always causing mayhem in the town, during their short stops.                                                                         

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/features/general-article/tcrr-hell/