Telegraphic Password and Cipher Documents, 1918-1923

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Summary

Title:: Railroad telegraphic password and cipher documents
Dates:: 1918-1923
Abstract:: Includes a key card and telegraphic passwords.
Extent:: .167 Linear Feet 1 folder
Language:: English .
Preferred citation:: [Identification of item], Telegraphic Password and Cipher Documents, MS 544, California State Railroad Museum Library & Archives, Sacramento, California.

Background

Scope and content:

This collection contains a key card and several telegraphic passwords.

Biographical / historical:

Railroads utilized Telegraphic Password and Cipher Documents, often in conjunction with Morse code, for a crucial purpose: efficient and safe communication and coordination of train operations.

Railroads developed cipher codes with pre-defined words or shorthand for regularly used messages, allowing for quicker and clearer communication compared to sending full phrases. For instance, "WARNPASS" could mean "warn passengers," or "EMCAR" could denote "empty carriage".

The use of cipher documents implies a degree of message secrecy and security. This would be important for internal communications or potentially to protect sensitive information from competitors or others not authorized to view it.

Code words and systems changed over time to adapt to evolving railway operations and needs.

Railroads relied on the telegraph and its associated codes and passwords as a cornerstone of their operational efficiency and safety. The ability to send and receive information quickly allowed them to manage complex systems of train movements, track conditions, and safety protocols, playing a key role in the growth and expansion of the railroad industry.

Acquisition information:

Gift of Henry Corron, 1981

Arrangement:

Arranged by date order

Physical location:

Statewide Museum Collections Center

Rules or conventions:

Describing Archives: A Content Standard

Indexed terms

Subjects:: Cipher and telegraph codes

About this collection guide

Collection Guide Author:: CSRM Library Archives staff
Date Encoded:: This finding aid was produced using ArchivesSpace on 2025-08-26 17:11:13 +0000 .

Access and use

Restrictions:: Collection is open for research by appointment. Contact Library Staff
Terms of access:: Copyright has not been assigned to the California State Railroad Museum. All requests for permission to publish or quote from manuscripts must be submitted in writing to the CSRM Library & Archives. Permission for publication is given on behalf of the CSRM as the owner of the physical items and is not intended to include or imply permission of the copyright holder, which must also be obtained by the reader.

Preferred citation:: [Identification of item], Telegraphic Password and Cipher Documents, MS 544, California State Railroad Museum Library & Archives, Sacramento, California.

Location of this collection:: California State Railroad Museum Library and Archives

111 I Street

Sacramento, CA 95814, US