Terrace Cemetery – Wendover, Utah - Atlas Obscura

Terrace Cemetery

Almost all that remains of a town dedicated to supporting the First Transcontinental Railroad. 

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At its peak, the town of Terrace had as many as 1,000 residents and an eight-track switchyard. But when the cross-country railroad route changed, the town up and moved, leaving not much more than bones behind.

Established in 1869, Terrace served as a division point on the First Transcontinental Railroad. The town met its demise in 1904 when the Southern Pacific Railroad was completed, bypassing Terrace and moving the division point 40 miles west to Montello, Nevada. Many of the buildings in Terrace were moved to Montello; however, the Terrace cemetery remains. along with old railroad ties and some foundations. 

Know Before You Go

Off of highway 30 you can get to Terrace by taking the old railroad grade road. This grade road is the original route for the transcontinental railroad and along the drive you will see many original trestles and left behind ties (since moved off to the side). The drive is mostly easy going although there are some rough conditions through various washes on the drive, a low clearance vehicle is not recommended; although 4WD is not required. 


The cemetery is along the old railroad with a pullout to park. If you're in for more of an adventure, you can actually drive along the old railroad grade road starting from Promontory Point if coming from the East or Lucin if coming from the West. However, you can also just follow your GPS along highway 30 as there are several turnoffs from highway 30 onto the grade road. 


The area is quite remote with the nearest gas station being 40+ miles away. Cell service can be spotty.

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January 17, 2022

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