Visitors from the United States and around the world have come to experience this unique museum setting. You’ll find 11 acres of indoor and outdoor exhibits including the original depot and steam locomotive the Slim Princess. Experience what life was like over 100 year ago.
The Carson and Colorado Railway began carrying passenger and freight from Mound House Nevada in 1881. This narrow-gauge railroad connected Nevada to Laws Depot, then down to Keeler 60 miles to the south.
Slim Princess No. 9 arrived at the Laws Depot in April 1960, marking abandonment of the last of the Western narrow-gauge common carriers. The station, rail yard, land, depot and other structures were then donated to Inyo County and the City of Bishop by Southern Pacific. In 1964 the Bishop Museum and Historical Society was formed and the Laws Railroad Museum and Historical Site opened its doors in 1966.
People immediately began donating items, even entire historic structures, ranging from antique pioneer furnishings, old photographs, wagons, farm equipment and mining equipment, and a working stamp mill.
Slim Princess No. 9 served the Southern Pacific Railroad for 33 of the 77 years of railroad service through the Owens Valley. You’ll see the Slim Princess No. 9 in the Engine House. Caboose 401 can be found on the tracks surrounded by the original supporting facilities including the Depot, oil tank, Armstrong turntable, Agent's house, water well, and two outhouses.
Laws Railroad Museum and Historical Site is California Historical Landmark No. 953, and is listed on the US Department of Interior's National Registry of Historic Places. Come and enjoy a physical connection to the past as you immerse yourself in pioneer life at the Laws Museum and Historical Site.
Laws Railroad Museum and Historical Site is 5 miles North of Bishop California off Highway 6 at 200 Silver Canyon Road.