The Telegraph line was built from both ends, Nebraska and California. Wooden poles were cut from whatever was available. Some were short, crooked, and hauled by animal power up to 200 miles.

Laborers with picks dug holes 5 feet deep, averaging 24 per mile--more in difficult mountain terrain like this. A few weathered stumps remain along this stretch (White Pine County Road 18) on private property.

This was also the Lincoln Highway.