New SorGun

[SimCoug 5,972]

@rewright:  I think I'll just release them as growable residential since the unique lot size (3x5 and 5x5) will basically guarantee that they show up where you want them.  I may think about including a few landmark lots though, for those who just want a quick plop.  

@wwetom1:  Thanks!

 

 

Update 39

 

1880 Census – Rolling Stone

 

Spring 1880

 

 

The fog was as thick as Salty’s mystery brew.  Stevens and his crew were waiting on the pier, one final morning before they would take a boat to their next destination.  The census of New SorGun was complete, and the group celebrated their accomplishment long into the night at Salty’s Pub.   The fog was certainly thick this morning, but perhaps not as hazy as everyone on that pier felt – Stevens included.

*Click for full

 

 

The rolling ride in SorGun Harbor left a few of Stevens co-workers with no choice but to give up the breakfast they had eaten earlier in the morning.  But the cool air breathed new life into Stevens.  It was difficult to leave the town that they had called home for the past month, but a new adventure awaited, and Stevens had grown accustomed to his nomadic profession. 

 

 

The boat arrived at the river landing before mid-day.  Stevens noticed Nug’s Hill rising in the distance.  At first glance, it didn’t appear much had changed since Stevens last visit ten years earlier.

 

 

The road up the riverbank led to a small settlement with a few shops and houses scattered about.  The smell of plowed dirt and cows reminded Stevens that they weren’t in New SorGun anymore.  Stevens and his crew made their way to the local watering hole for a chance to fill their bellies before they got to work. 

*Click for full

 

 

“You folks are’a ways from home,” chuckled the owner as he cleared away a table for Stevens and his co-workers.

“We’ve been traveling so long, I’m not even sure where home is anymore,” replied Stevens, with a smile.

“Aaah, you’re the folks counting homes ‘round here, ain’t ya?” asked the owner.  “My wife heard you were in New SorGun last time she was in town.”

“Yes sir, we’ve been all around the region.  Fortunately we’re working toward the home stretch now,” said Stevens. 

“Well, we may not be the biggest town around, but folks here are pretty proud of the little community we’ve managed to make here next to the quarry.  Betcha didn’t know most of those big buildings in New SorGun can be traced back to our Quarrymen,” the owner said, proudly.

“Indeed, I did not know.  But it was my intention to walk up to the quarry after we finished lunch here.  I managed to visit 10 years ago when it was barely a hole in the ground, so naturally I’m curious to see how things have progressed,” Stevens said.

“Well, Nug is still running things up there.  Be sure to tell him Joseph sent you – he’s got a regular table over there,” said Joseph, point to the corner.

Stevens thanked Joseph for his hospitality.  The group of census workers finished up their meal and headed out to get some work done before the end of the day.  Meanwhile, Stevens took a walk up the road leading to the quarry.

*Click for full

 

 

The quarry had certainly expanded since Stevens’ visit 10 years earlier.  Stone slabs and cut stone were being carted around in all directions, all while the sound of chisels and hammers created a percussion of beats that could almost be described as nature’s music. 

A younger gentleman noticed Stevens walking around aimlessly.

“You look lost,” he shouted.  “My name is Clyde Bartman, can I help you find something?”

“Good afternoon Mr. Bartman, my name is Fredric Stevens, my team and I are working on the Federal Census for this region and we just arrived here today so I wanted to take a look around,” replied Stevens.

“Well, Uncle Nug is busy at the moment, but I’d be happy to give you a quick tour,” said Clyde.

*Click for full

 

 

As the two men explored the quarry, Stevens learned that Clyde had moved to the region 9 years earlier, after his Uncle Nug wrote to him explaining that he had begun work on a quarry.  Clyde Bartman was the youngest of 6 siblings.  His mother (Nug’s sister) and all of his extended family still lived in Wisconsin – well, all except for Nug.  His uncle had been a frontiersman for as long as he could remember.  Clyde said he could remember playing in the woods when he was little, pretending to hunt grizzlies, just like his favorite uncle. 

*Click for full

 

 

“10 years ago I didn’t know the first thing about rocks – except that they made a great splash when you tossed ‘em in the river,” said Clyde, as the two men walked over a pile of gravel.  “Now I could probably give a university dissertation on sedimentary stone.  I guess that’s what happens when you live and breathe rocks for 9 years.”

The two men walked over to a pit of stone on the outskirts of the quarry.  “We’ve just begun work on this derrick.  As soon as it’s finished we will be able to move stone of all size and shape,” said Bartman proudly. 

 

 

“Having just visited towns like Steamer Bay, Porthaven and New SorGun, I imagine demand for your construction material is on the rise,” mentioned Stevens, as the two walked back to the quarry headquarters.

“The building boom that coincided with the railroads arrival has certainly helped our business,” admitted Bartman.

Stevens followed his guide inside the large structure.  Inside was a mess of workers, tools, lumber and countless other knickknacks that Stevens couldn’t even begin to name. 

*Click for full

 

 

A makeshift office stood in one corner of the building with a simple desk and papers piled about.  Peeking out from behind one of the stacks was an older gentleman, with a worn face and a permanent furrowed brow.  Stevens recognized old man Nug immediately.

“Uncle, I wanted to introduce you to Mr. Fredric Stevens.  He is in charge of the Federal Census out here in our neck of the woods,” said Clyde.

Nug glanced up and nodded, “I recall a brief meeting many years ago.  You seem to have won your battle with Time, Mr. Stevens.”

Fredric Stevens blushed, “My old bones would say otherwise, but thank you warmly.  Your little operation has exceeded all my expectations, sir – congratulations on your successful endeavor.”

The old man shifted slightly in his chair, “God has been gracious.  I was a naïve vagabond all my life, chasing one adventure after the next… but never satisfied.  I finally grew some roots and I have been blessed ever since.”

“I’m jealous, I’ve never been able to stay in one spot for long,” admitted Stevens.

Nug glanced at Stevens with his piercing eyes, “Hmm… A rolling stone,” he said with a sigh.  ‘Gathers no moss,’ thought Stevens to himself as a silence came over the group.

“Well, our stone out there,” interrupted Clyde while pointing out the window, “it’s been covered in earth for centuries, after being molded and shaped by…” Clyde continued his lesson on sedimentary rock while Stevens watched Nug and thought about what he had said. 

After a few days, Stevens and the census crew had tallied up the local population and were ready to head up the Rannug River and start the whole process over again.  

*Click for full

 

 

Ben’s Bend had grown considerably in the past decade, and Stevens was excited to meet up with Farmer Ben after all these years.

 

 

The first thing Stevens noticed was that the giant evergreen still stood tall, surrounded by acres of farmland.  It was a reassuring site, and like the unchanging evergreen, Farmer Ben’s friendliness had not altered one bit.   Stevens and his group were welcomed into Ben’s house like family, and they were treated to a fine country meal on that first evening.

 

 

Stevens was happy to learn from Ben that the area along the Rannug River continued to support more and more farmland each year.  The community of growers managed to carve out a large swath of wilderness and mold it into land that provided food for thousands of people in the area.

 

 

A small crossroads on the north side of the river had even developed into a fledgling community, as traffic along the ever expanding roads in the region continued to grow. 

*Click for full

 

 

But despite the joy felt by Stevens as he reconnected with Ben and some of the other families that made their living far away from the comforts of New SorGun, he continued to replay what old man Nug had said to him earlier.  Was his life simply a rolling stone, wandering from place to place without ever having a chance to settle down and allow life to take root?  On his last night before moving on up the river, Stevens brought the subject up with Farmer Ben.

“Oh, I haven’t heard that proverb in a while,” said Ben. 

“Nor I, but one way or another, Nug’s words have sunk in here and won’t get out,” Stevens said, pointing to his head.  “I’ve never been bound to one place my entire life… he struck a nerve of truth.  Now I’m wondering if I’ve missed my chance to put down roots of my own,” continued Stevens.

Ben gazed off into the distance for a moment before speaking up, “I’ve been a farmer my whole life, and I’ve seen a lot of different rocks in that time.  Big ones, little ones, dirty ones that have been under the earth for ages and even river rocks that have been polished as smooth as an infant’s derrière.”

 

 

“But you know what,” Ben said, as he kicked a loose rock in the dirt.  “I never found one that was a huckleberry above a persimmon, and I suppose that could be said for people too.”

Stevens nodded and began to speak “But…”

Ben cut him off.  “Do you enjoy traveling, exploring where your profession takes you?  I may be wrong, but you seem like a happy man.”

“Well... sure, I certainly don’t feel unhappy,” Stevens finally said as he stumbled around for a response.

“Fredric, I enjoy your company, moss or no moss,” Ben laughed.   “Some folks live and die in the same town, and others move on before you can say ‘gallnipper,’ and thank God for that, otherwise this life would be dull indeed,” he continued.

*Click for full

 

 

Ben unconsciously traced the dirt with his old boots.  “I could pick up and leave here tomorrow… after all, it’s just another piece of dirt.  Heck, I’ve moved across this entire country, but the same earth welcomes me hum no matter where I lay my diggings.  My head is at ease when my heart is true.”

*Click for full

 

 

Stevens struggled through a restless night of sleep before heading further upriver the next morning.  He knew Farmer Ben was right; it shouldn’t matter in the end, as long as he was true to himself.  But perhaps after a lifetime on the move, maybe his heart was finally calling him home. 

[wwetom1 831]

This is such a beautiful CJ. If you don't win a Trixie for it this year, it's all rigged!

[vinlabsc3k 127]

As ever the shots are a piece of art!!


If was me, a single city tile would be an endless job!!

[SimCoug 5,972]

 

@wwetom1:  Thank you - I was lucky enough to win a Trixie last year.  It would be an honor to receive one two years in a row

@vinlabsc3k:  Thank you for the kind words!

 

The 1880 census is wrapping up, and Stevens and his crew can see the light at the end of the tunnel. Their first stop will be the town of Junction, which has seen many changes since it's founding back in the 1850s. Arrow Ridge and Materburg are also on the final leg of the Census tour, so stay tuned!

[Caracortada 291]

Awesome, great job.

I've seen every integer

There are a lot of details

sorry for my English

[wwetom1 831]

Ten years after the fire, everything looks better than ever!

[rewright 804]

Your attention to detail is fantastic, and the countryside is beautiful. Very nice work.

[SimCoug 5,972]

C4RACORTADA:  Thanks for commenting!

wwetom1:  Thanks - fires and rebuilding was a common occurrence back then.

rewright:  Thank you!

 

 

Update 40

 

1880 Census – Homeward Bound

 

Summer 1880

 

 

Stevens noticed the horses were a little agitated after the last bend in the river road.  The group of census workers was visibly tired after months of traveling from one town to the next.  Ben’s Bend lay behind them, as well as New SorGun and many of the comforts that sizable towns offered.  The pine forests, small settlements, and the wild frontier were all that lay between Stevens crew and a successful completion of their task. 

 

 

Stevens’ horse gave another grunt, showing her displeasure as the group trotted along the dark and lonely path.  Stevens knew this was the same path that the early settlers of Junction used to flee the impending onslaught of the native Indians over 25 years ago.  Much had changed in a quarter century, but the eerie road still felt caught in the past.  Perhaps this was how the early settlers felt as they fled for their lives that cold winter morning.

 

 

Finally, flickers of light began to break apart the shadows and the trees gave way to open meadows and cleared land.

“Welcome to Junction,” Stevens announced to his fellow travelers.

New houses began to dot the road as the group moved closer to the town, but scars of the past were still clearly visible.  Scorched rubble was slowly succumbing to nature’s incessant march, but 25 years was not long enough to hide the old wounds.

 

 

The Indian uprising nearly a quarter century ago saw the town of Junction razed to the ground, and it would remain that way for over a decade.  But in the early 1870’s, with the announcement of the railroad terminus and renewed faith in the security of the region, Junction began to slowly rise from the burnt ashes that littered the landscape.

 

 

As Stevens rode into town, he couldn’t help but remember his experience with Junction 10 years earlier.  The faint smell of burnt wood permeated the land, and the dark ashes of scorched earth contrasted violently with the surrounding cedar and evergreen trees.  But despite the hidden reminders of the earlier destruction, today, Junction seemed to be reborn, in a sense. 

 

 

Over the next couple days the census workers made quick work tallying up the local residents.  Stevens learned that Bufford Grills was one of the first pioneers to resettle the destroyed settlement.  He now owns many of the prime town lots, including Bufford Stables, which is the largest employer in Junction.

*1680x1050 - Click for full

 

 

“I never knew my mother, God rest her soul,” Grills told Stevens, as the two men enjoyed a smoke after a filling meal. 

“And I wish I could say the same for my father, that drunken coot,” Grills continued.  “The only thing he taught me was how to shoe a horse.  The rest of the time he was getting corned at one doggery or the next.”

“I’m sorry for your trying childhood,” Stevens interjected.

“Don’t be.  I wouldn’t be where I am today were it not for him.  Growing up, I studied every rotten characteristic in that drafted man’s bones, and I’ve labored to do exactly the opposite.  It has served me well,” Grills chuckled lightly.

Stevens smiled.

Grills rambled on, “The Kentucky backwoods provided me with a most excellent education for a life on the frontier, rotten father and all.” 

“And now, I can finally call a piece of this magnificent wilderness home,” Grills said, after a long drag of his pipe.

 

 

After a few days of chatting up the locals, the Census workers were happy to check off one more town.  Stevens glanced at his notebook as he packed his belonging for the next destination and was surprised to see how small his list had become. 

*1680x1050 - Click for full

 

 

Stevens didn’t realize it at the moment, but he was falling in love with the wild Pacific Northwest.  Ten years earlier, Fredric Stevens would have dreaded another horse ride through the forest trails.  But as he and his crew trotted along yet another dirt path toward their next destination, Stevens felt enlivened by the smell of cedar, and the swish of the wind through the swaying evergreens.

 

 

Stevens could sense the morale of the group rise as they rode into Arrow Ridge.  The end of their journey was near, and for most of his co-workers it could not come soon enough.  The crew set up at the Arrow Inn, right in the center of town. 

*1680x1050 - Click for full

 

 

The owner, Mr. Paul Brittle, was excited to see new guests.  Like Junction, Arrow Ridge grew from a simple crossroads on one of the old Indian trials that led north from the Portland territory to New SorGun.  The road also split west, toward Materburg and a large swath of farmland.  Brittle told Stevens that the Inn had done steady business since it was opened 4 years ago, and Stevens wasn’t surprised.  From the looks of things, Arrow Ridge had grown steadily since Stevens’ last visit. 

 

 

After a few days, Stevens and his crew were about wrapped up.  That afternoon a storm rolled in, and Stevens hurried to finish up the few remaining houses on his block.  As he was walking along a fence housing a few pigs the sky finally opened up and a steady rain began soaking the earth.  As Stevens began a mad dash for the next house he noticed the pigs going about their business as if nothing had changed.  The sight stopped him in his tracks, and he walked closer to the pen while the rain spattered on his hat and face.  Suddenly he let out a good laugh.

“You’re right my friends… it’s just a little rain.  It certainly feels nice,” he said to the grazing pigs.

*1680x1050 - Click for full

 

 

After sizeable towns like Steamer Bay or New SorGun, Arrow Ridge was like a walk in the park to Stevens and his crew.  In a few days the town had been tallied and Stevens made one more check in his notebook.

 

 

The work in Arrow Ridge passed quickly, almost too quickly for Stevens, and suddenly he found himself on the road once again.  The census workers passed farm after farm on their way to Materburg, keeping tally as they went.  

 

 

Finally, the wagon train crossed over the final bridge and Materburg spread out before them. 

 

 

Farming continued to be the lifeblood of the town, and as more farmers moved to the region the town continued to grow up as well.  As the federal workers made their way to the center of Materburg, Stevens marveled at how much excitement and energy the little town exhibited. 

*1680x1770 - Click for full

 

 

Over the next few days, Stevens had never seen his crew work so hard.  The finish line was in sight and the census crew began a mad dash to get there.  But Stevens found himself at odds with their rush to finish.  On one of the last few days of work, he walked along one of the dirt roads towards the outskirts of town attempting to finish up his canvasing for the day.  He noticed the beautiful hills surrounding the town as he walked up to a particularly nice home that sat across the street from a cattle pasture.  After knocking several times and receiving no answer, he peeked in one of the windows and noticed the home appeared to be empty.  Stevens brought the matter up with one of the neighbors at his next stop.

“That place has been empty for months now, the codfish aristocrats who lived there before were apparently too good for our town and moved to Steamer Bay,” said the woman who answered the door.  “It’s for sale… I just hope the new owners aren’t as high-falutin as the last,” she continued.

*1680x1050 - Click for full

 

 

Stevens took the long road back to town and let his mind wander.  As he walked along the old fence erected decades ago to protect from a possible Indian attack he stopped and looked toward town.  Dusk was approaching, and he could already see light appearing from some of the windows.  He turned his head and gazed across the cleared fields and forests beyond. 

“Well,” Stevens thought to himself, “I suppose that settles it…”

*1680x1050 - Click for full

 

 

A few days later, Stevens pulled out his notebook for the last time.  The census of Materburg was complete and the wild journey over the past several months was now about to end.

 

 

There was excited chatter among Stevens’ group as they began boarding the ship that would take them back to San Francisco and ‘civilization’, as some joked.  Stevens and his close friend Jacob Brick were the last to board. 

“I’ve been dreaming of this day for weeks,” said Brick as he smiled up at the tall masts.

“So have I,” said Stevens, and he handed his friend an envelope.

“What’s this?” said Jacob, looking quizzically at Stevens.

“My retirement announcement,” replied Stevens, smiling.  “Tell the boss everything is in order… you are in charge of the official files,” he continued, as he handed over his leather satchel bag.

Brick stood motionless with a confused look on his face.

“Did you think I’d be counting forever?” Stevens laughed.  “Now get up there, before you miss your boat.”

Brick slowly walked up the gangplank, looking back at Stevens.  His confused expression began to fade away, and was replaced with a slight smile.

“Look me up next time you are in town,” Stevens said with a smile and a wave, as his friend finally stepped aboard.

*1680x1050 - Click for full

[wwetom1 831]

I love the gif showing the town's growth. This is such a beautiful CJ with all of the MMPs, BATs, and how you lay out the roads and such.

[Snugies 91]

The amount of patience you have is mind blowing genius how you can keep doing this 1880 scenery and taking so much time with it. Taking so much time on each era is awesome. Incredible attention to detail, and the amount of work you are putting in to bring this era to life.

 

P.S. with all the 1880's material you have you could do a great real history of New York. I wish somebody would do that.

[SimCoug 5,972]

 

@wwetom1:  Thank you!  I've been experimenting with some trial .gif software, so be on the lookout for more .gif's next update.

@Snugies:  Thanks!  I enjoy adding in the details and I think it adds to the realism of growing a city because it makes me think twice about building over old development.  And recreating a 19th century NY would be quite interesting. 

 

The census is over, and next time we will take a look back at what happened over the course of Stevens journey across the SorGun region. Keep a look out for massive region mosaics and some .gif's. Stay tuned.

*Click for full size - 1680 pix wide

[Schulmanator 5,787]

Standing by for a big dose of awesomeness!

[Fox 1,444]

So many great updates .. I've enjoyed taking the last 20mins to read through this page .. I'm loving the storyline still .. amazing job.

 

New SorGun is definitely one of my all time favorite city journals.

 

I love the animated pictures, it really does show the huge difference in growth across the years.

 

One of my favorite pictures I've seen all year is the quarry picture .. so detailed and with the placement and your use of MMP flora is still among the best I've seen.

[wwetom1 831]

Awesome effect on the region shot there my friend really looks good like a fly over. Cant wait to see the results of the census

[rewright 804]

These folks ara a hardy bunch, pushing out into the wilderness and astablishing the little towns. I can't say enough about the detail you have put into these pictures.

[Benedict 3,119]

Fantastic last few updates. I love a good census.

[tshirt23 75]

That region shot is amazing!  It really looks like it came out of google earth or something - so realistic.  And the detail you put in your city is amazing, must take a long time!  Can't wait for the next update.

[SimCoug 5,972]

@Schulmanator:  Thanks - hope you enjoy it

@Fox:  Thank you!  I really had fun with the quarry, and Krashspeed has been kind enough to make some really awesome props.  I think you will be seeing more in the near future.

@wwetom1:  Thanks!  It took a bit of patience stitching together all those large tile zoom 1 shots, but I think the final result was worth it.

@rewright:  Indeed, the pioneers of that time period were certainly a hardy bunch.  Thanks for stopping by.

@Benedict:  Thank you - this will be the final 1880 census... but 1890 is just around the corner

@tshirt23:  Thanks for the kind compliments!  

 

 

Update 41

 

1880 Census – Epilogue

 

Fall 1880

 

 

Stevens watched as the deep red leaves fell from the maple tree after a gust of wind.  Summer faded quickly this year, he thought.  He rocked back and forth on his porch, pulling his coat a little tighter with each cool breeze.

*1680x1050 - Click for full

 

 

It had been several months since he stood on the pier, waving goodbye to his census co-workers.  In that time, he had purchased a home and opened a small accounting office in downtown Materburg.

*1680x1050 - Click for full

 

 

Stevens felt energized by his new surroundings.  That may have sounded strange to his big city friends, but the frontier life had a way of attracting some of the most independent, adventurous souls.

*1680x632 - Click for full

 

 

One of them was Mr. Henry Mallet, who was born and raised in Missouri, but decided to leave everything behind and try his luck on the Oregon frontier over 30 years ago.  Eventually he found himself in Materburg shortly after its founding and opened one of the first stores.  Stevens loved to listen to his friend spout tales of his early days in Materburg, and tell of the changes he’s seen to the area over the years.

*animation

 

 

In his free time, Stevens kept busy by writing about his recent adventures across the SorGun region.  Looking back, he could hardly believe how much he and his census crew had accomplished.

*1600x647 - Click for full

 

 

As he wrote, he realized he could practically fill a novel with all the stories that he came across during his adventure, and many of them were left unfinished.  It had been several months, and he wondered what had happened in Steamer Bay since his departure.  Would the Northern Pacific be able to finally construct a proper port in their chosen terminus town?

*1680x1050 - Click for full

 

 

And what would become of Mr. Delin’s little settlement?  Porthaven had grown steadily over the years to become the second largest town in the region, but would the railroad finally put an end to his lifelong project?

*animation

 

 

Speaking of the railroad – New SorGun continued to defy the NPRR bosses and grow at an unprecedented rate, thanks in part to the Finch & Myers railroad.  Over the past 10 years New SorGun had developed into a diverse and expanding community that had earned itself the reputation as the economic anchor of the region.

*4759x2753 - Click for full

 

 

The citizens of New SorGun, through their resourcefulness and hard work, were able to fight off the Northern Pacific’s attempts to wipe the town off of the map.  But Stevens knew there was too much money on the line, and the railroad wouldn’t stop their relentless pursuit of economic domination.  Would the little town be up to the fight that lay ahead?

*1680x1050 - Click for full

 

 

Stevens thought back 10 years prior, and how much New SorGun had changed in a decade.  America’s expansion into the frontier was truly a sight to behold, he thought.

*animation

 

 

What would the next 10 years bring to this remote region of the American frontier?  Stevens could only imagine, but if the previous 10 years were any indication, it would prove to be a wild ride.

*4528x1832 - Click for full

[simlink 1,098]

Stunningly amazing update! The animations, flyovers... everything was just spectacular!

[Ke|is 3,333]

Amazing update !! I really like your work, you put a special touch in your pictures and I really enjoy watching your updates !!

[Lost Realist 762]

Insaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaane! Not only are the pictures and animations just stunning, but the story and the growth of the region are crafted and presented so lovingly, credible and creative that it just draws you in more and more. This is easily the most immersive CJ I have ever seen.

[wwetom1 831]

You and this CJ are the kings of the little things man and I love it. The amount of small detail that I wouldn't even think about is just awesome. The skyshots or region overviews, whatever you want to call em are some of the most realistic SC4 images I've ever seen, and then you go ahead and add that wow factor and make them progression gifs. Seasonal MMPs the transitions of the SAM, building choice, everything about this CJ is A+! 

[GeometryMath Algebra 614]

One of the best CJs in recent history! Absolutely love it!

[tshirt23 75]

Amazing update once again!  Your region shots and the overview shots are some of the best.  Its amazing how you rework them so they aren't the standard maxis images...that really makes this CJ stand out.

[Fox 1,444]

Stunning images as always.

 

Love the use of the seawalls emerging in the 6th picture.. the city is really starting to take on a life of it's own.

 

Thanks for the reply, and I can't wait to see what you have in store.

[rewright 804]

In addition to the wonderful detail of your pictures, I really love those low angled shots! Something new for regional shots is seems. :thumb:

[vinlabsc3k 127]

Amazing shots and job!!
I can't wait for the next census and obviously update!!

[Benedict 3,119]

[SimCoug 5,972]

@sim_link:  Thank you!

@kelistmac:  Thank you, I love adding in the extra details, sometimes it's difficult to know when enough is enough

@Lost Realist:  Thank you for the kind words - I'm glad you enjoy it!

@wwetom1:  Thank you very much - that is high praise coming from a master builder such as yourself.

@Geometry:  Thanks!

@tshirt23:  Thank you - I enjoyed playing vanilla maxis for many years, but once I discovered how to mold SC4 to my exact liking, I haven't looked back.

@Fox:  Thank you Fox, I always look forward to reading your feedback.

@rewright:  Thanks!  I've always wished to be able to take a picture from anywhere (ala SC13) in SC4, so this is as close as I can get to that vision.

@vinlabsc3k:  Thanks for your constant support.

@Benedict:  Thank you for the wonderful postcard - excellent photoshopping!

 

 

Update 42

 

Mother of Exiles

 

Spring 1882

 

 

When Lee Shao was just a little boy his uncle journeyed to America to earn a fortune in the midst of the California gold rush.  Lee didn’t remember much, only that his family was very excited.  Most of his family had never left the small rural town in China.  It wasn’t until years later that Lee even learned where America was.  Periodically he would receive news of his Uncles whereabouts and adventures. 

 

 

After the gold rush waned, the building of the intercontinental railroad began in earnest, and thousands of Chinese workers, including Lee’s uncle, joined the endeavor.  In 1878, At the age of 23, Lee made the trip across the largest ocean in the world and tried his hand on a railroad crew, just as his uncle had done years earlier.

 

 

After landing in Portland, Oregon, Lee Shao made the trek up to Steamer Bay and joined hundreds of other Asian immigrants in search of work on the Northern Pacific Railroad. 

*

 

 

Lee knew only a few English phrases, but he could wield a hammer and his hard work earned him a spot on one of the crews.  The labor was demanding, but Lee was young and the pay was far greater than anything he could earn back home in China.  By the spring of 1882, Lee had a handsome savings and his own small house in Steamer Bay.

 

 

That same year, the Northern Pacific Railroad bosses embarked on a number of projects that would finally allow them to overtake New SorGun and wrest control of the regions riches for themselves once and for all.  In an attempt to copy the success of New SorGun’s coal mining operation, the railroad began work on a spur line that would connect with a known coal deposit in the hills south of Steamer Bay.

 

 

This was good news for Lee and the many other immigrant workers who were living in Steamer Bay, as it would guarantee steady work for many months to come.  The mine was in its infancy, but the deposits that had been unearthed so far proved to be good quality coal.

 

 

Railroad construction was a hard, dirty and dangerous job, but the Chinese immigrants proved more than capable.  Their punctuality, diligence, and good behavior put them in excellent standing with the Railroad bosses and construction foremen, although fellow Caucasian workers were not as tolerant.  Despite the tension between the different groups of workers, construction of the railroad was progressing and by the spring of 1882 it was quickly snaking its way into the hills above Steamer Bay.

 

 

Lee spent his weekdays toiling on the new rail line, and on the weekend he would be back in Steamer Bay to rest and recuperate.  At the end of each week, he would look out the window of his train arriving back into Steamer Bay and he would notice more and more commotion down by the water. 

 

 

The railroad was pushing full steam ahead on an ambitious project to make Steamer Bay the premier port in the area.  Heavy construction equipment was arriving daily, and work had already begun dredging the harbor to make it accessible to all seafaring vessels. 

 

 

The ambitious plan would add acres of land to the waterfront and enable Steamer Bay to reach its full potential as the western terminus of the Northern Pacific Railway.

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None of this mattered much to Lee, except that he was living in the center of the fastest growing towns on the pacific coast.  There were opportunities abound, and it seemed like each day a new fortune was made somewhere in Steamer Bay. 

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But all of Lee Shao’s dreams crashed into reality on May 6, 1882, when President Chester A. Arthur signed the Chinese Exclusion Act into law.  Suddenly, federal law prohibited any Chinese laborers from entering the United States.  Discrimination, which was always festering in the shadows, suddenly became the law of the land, further emboldening bigots and racist across the western United States.

 

 

Technically, Lee was a legal immigrant, along with hundreds of other Steamer Bay inhabitants who were of Chinese decent.  But how would the white citizens of SorGun react to the new law considering there was already considerable prejudice shown towards those of Asian descent? 

 

 

Meanwhile, half a world away, a man by the name of Gustave Eiffel was overseeing the final touches on a colossal statue that was destined for New York harbor.

[Aaron Graham 4,417]

Wonderful work, I can't wait to see the construction of the port!!!