Hand cars came to the railroad industry in the 1860s, allowing workers to maintain track more efficiently. Initially, most railroads designed and built their own hand cars, but by the 1880s, hand cars became available commercially. Join our train restoration shop docents afterwards to learn more about our trains, their history, and the use of the telegraph in early railroad days. Save time to visit the Mining display where our docents will fire up the equipment and let you crush rocks!