Arizona’s Impossible Switchback Railroad

The Western Heritage Center presents the world premiere of
two documentaries on Prescott’s own “Impossible Switchback Railroad”. Our first feature
profiles the thrilling true story of the construction of the spectacular Bradshaw Mountain
Railroad, which traveled from

Prescott to Crown King. The railway was thought to be “impossible”
to build when proposed by Frank Murphy in 1900! Yet through engineering genius,
tons of dynamite, and the tenacity of 600 immigrant laborers, it was completed in 1904,
only to be abandoned by the Santa Fe Railway 20 years later and be almost completely
forgotten when its rail bed was turned into a road. Featuring 10 switchbacks, 31
trestle bridges, and a 142-foot tunnel, the railroad was a marvel of ingenuity and
engineering.

Our second feature, “Riding the Impossible,” uses Google Earth
flyovers and generative AI animations to let viewers experience a simulated ride on
this incredible train again, 100 years after it disappeared. You’ll ride virtually on the
Impossible Railroad’s

switchbacks, road cuts, bridges, and a tunnel to Crown King,
and see how the Crown King Road differs from the railway route.

The films are based on the recently published book, “The
Impossible Switchback Railroad”. The authors and film producers, Jeff and Steve
Titchenal, will be personally meeting, greeting, and signing books before and after the
showings.