Where did the term "Hell On Wheels" originate?

The phrase "Hell on Wheels" was originally used to describe the itinerant collection of flimsily assembled gambling houses, dance halls, saloons, and brothels that followed the army of Union Pacific railroad workers westward as they constructed the First Transcontinental Railroad in 1860s North America.

The huge numbers of wage-earning young men working in what was a remote wilderness, far from the constraints of home, proved to be a lucrative opportunity for those with expertise at separating such men from their money. As the end of the line continually moved westward, Hell on Wheels followed along, reconstructing itself on the outskirts of each town that became, in turn, the center of activity for the Union Pacific's construction work.

The town was literally on flat cars and moved as the line was completed. They were really tents made to look like buildings.

More Info: en.wikipedia.org

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21 Comments

Marguerite LaHaye

I watched all five seasons of Hell on Wheels, which was filmed mainly in Alberta, Canada, although the story line centred on railway construction across the American west after the Civil War.

Rob Farr

They worked hard and ‘played’ hard too ... sadly, there are always those who will prey on others, rather than engage in honest work themselves.

Cindy Stebbings

I think this was a great question. Thanks.

Cindy Schaub

My Army unit in Northern Germany was dubbed Hell on Wheels because we were a pick up and go tactical unit that deployed often and it was General Patten's 2d Armored Division(fwd) from his WWII days. We were located in Garlstedt, GE (up north) and I think that it has been shut down some time after I was there from 1986-1989. Very cold up there, it was indeed.

Wyla Reedy

Watched a few episodes from a series by the same name.

Curtis R Anderson

I was thinking of the Second Armored Division (US Army) myself

Val Wilkinson

Revolting. I guess our navvies were as bad

Shirley Dutt

Love this question and answer. I always wondered where it originated.

Richard G Schwartz

Could not have come from a children's book.

Chris Braid

Guessed because of the TV programme! 😀

Noel Sullivan

First l heard it was in reference to a mechanized armored division (tanks).

girl pn

Chose 1st choice which mostly correct

Laurie Tully

It didn't refer to the railroad workers - it was used to describe the itinerant collection of flimsily assembled gambling houses, dance halls, saloons, and brothels that followed the army of Union Pacific railroad workers westward as they constructed the First Transcontinental Railroad in 1860s North America.