When the Transcontinental Railroad opened in 1869, hundreds of small towns sprung up along the route. Now, most of them are ghost towns or just names on the map, no longer needed. Truckee is one of the few that has survived through the many changes in industry, transportation, demographics and the needs and interests of the population. The Museum of Truckee History tells the story (through interactive computer displays and authentic artifacts) of how Truckee survived and thrived as a railroad town, logging and lumber center, provider of ice for the California fruit and produce industry, winter sports mecca and an all-season tourist destination.