Meadow Valley Wash in Etna, Nevada

In the late 19th century, there was a significant discussion about building a railroad connecting Salt Lake City and Los Angeles. Two rival groups, led by William A. Clark and Edward Henry Harriman, were involved in a competitive effort to construct this railroad. The rivalry, known as the "Clark-Harriman" war, was mainly fought in the courts with some instances of violence. Eventually, a joint-ownership agreement was reached in 1902, with the Union Pacific holding half-interest in Clark's San Pedro, Los Angeles, and Salt Lake railroad. The railroad was officially named the Los Angeles and Salt Lake in 1916. The chosen route for the railroad followed Meadow Valley Wash, which flows through Rainbow Canyon and joins the Muddy River near Glendale. Despite concerns about flooding, this route was selected due to its southerly trend and avoidance of mountain passes. However, the concerns proved justified as floods damaged the newly constructed right-of-way in 1905, 1906, 1907, and 1910. The route remains in use today as part of the Union Pacific, playing a crucial role in the development of Las Vegas and serving as a major rail link into Southern California. It also includes notable landmarks such as the old Kelso Depot and Afton Canyon in the Mojave Desert.