| British Columbia (Columbia Shuswap Regional District), Field — Kicking Horse Pass — Le Col du Cheval-Qui-Rue |
| | First recorded in the report of the Palliser expedition of 1857-60, this pass takes its name from an incident in which Dr. James Hector, surgeon in the expedition, was kicked by his horse while exploring in this vicinity. The pass was virtually unused until after 1881 when the Canadian Pacific Railway decided to adopt it as their new route through the Rockies, foregoing the earlier preference for the more northerly Yellowhead Pass. This decision altered the location of the line across western . . . — Map (db m9202) |
| Ontario (Middlesex County), London — The Founding of London |
| | In 1793, here on the River Thames, Lieutenant-Governor John Graves Simcoe selected a site for the capital of Upper Canada. York, however, became the seat of government and the townsite of London lay undeveloped until its selection in 1826 as the judicial and administrative centre of the London District. A court-house and gaol (1829) and homes for the government officials were built, stores and hotels were opened, and by 1834 the community contained over 1100 inhabitants. A British garrison . . . — Map (db m18971) |
| Alabama (Dallas County), Cahaba — Civil War Prison |
| | In 1858, the railroad company graded away an Indian mound that stood here. A brick warehouse was built in its place. From 1863 - 1865 the Confederate government used this warehouse to hold captured Federal Soldiers. You are standing on a pile of brick rubble from this structure.
This official 1864 diagram helped archaeologists identify the actual prison site. Carefully excavated clues revealed that a proposed extension to the stockade was actually built.
If you follow the brick rubble . . . — Map (db m22666) |
| Alabama (Dallas County), Cahaba — Commissary - R.R. Depot |
| | This cellar was under Joseph Babcock's brick store. During the Civil War the building was used as a commissary.
Babcock's warehouse and cotton shed were located to your right on the bluff overlooking the river. The family home, kitchen, and garden stood between this store and the warehouse.
In 1860 the Babcock family sold the land between this sign and Capitol Street to the Cahawba, Marion and Greensboro Railroad Company for a train depot. Railroad tracks had been laid directly down Capitol Street in 1858. — Map (db m23287) |
| Alabama (Jackson County), Bridgeport — Bridgeport |
| | Vital Memphis-Charleston Railroad, "backbone of Confederacy", spanned Tennessee River here. Bridge burned several times, 1862-3.
Gen. Mitchell (US), occupying Huntsville after Battle of Shiloh, seized Bridgeport in April 1862 and held it until August.
Federals recaptured town in July 1863 as Rosecrans (US) took Chattanooga (up river).
As end of usable railway from Nashville, town became key base of operations in U.S. victory at Chickamauga and lifting siege of Chattanooga. — Map (db m12283) |
| Alabama (Jackson County), Scottsboro — Robert Thomas Scott — 1800-1863 |
| | Planter, tavern operator, newspaper editor, legislator, and land developer, he sought in vain to have the Jackson County seat moved from Bellefont to the settlement that bore his name. After his death in 1863, his widow reached an agreement in 1868 with the county government whereby the site for the courthouse and jail was deeded to Jackson County on condition that Scottsboro become the county seat.
Incorporated by the state legislature on January 20, 1870, the town became an important . . . — Map (db m22260) |
| Alabama (Jackson County), Scottsboro — Scottsboro Railroad Depot |
| | The Memphis and Charleston Railroad Company constructed the Scottsboro Railroad Depot in 1860-1861 as a passenger and freight facility. The rail line ran throughout the Confederacy and the Union considered its capture vital to cutting off supplies to the south. On January 8, 1865, the Depot was the site of an intense battle between 101st U.S. Colored Infantry and the 110th U.S. Colored Infantry, who held the Depot, and Confederate soldiers led by Brigadier-General H. B. Lyon. The out-numbered . . . — Map (db m22258) |
| Alabama (Jackson County), Stevenson — Stevenson Depot and Hotel |
| | A one-story depot building was constructed here in 1853, when the railroad was first laid through Stevenson. That building burned after the Civil War and was replaced by the present brick depot and hotel in 1872.
During the Civil War, Stevenson was a hub of activity. Union and Confederate troops skirmished here and the town changed hands more than once, though Stevenson mostly lay under Union control. Troops occupied the town and a large refugee camp sprang up between the depot and Ft. . . . — Map (db m22271) |
| Alabama (Jefferson County), Birmingham — Sloss Furnaces |
| | The crossing of railroads in 1872 adjacent to this site gave rise to the industrial city of Birmingham. In 1881 Alabama railroad magnate and entrepreneur James Withers Sloss, capitalizing on the unusual coincidence of coal, iron ore and limestone in the area, founded the Sloss Furnace Company as an iron manufacturer and built blast furnaces beside the railroad crossing. Production of pig iron at Sloss Furnaces began in 1882 and continued for almost 90 years. Early 20th century additions to the . . . — Map (db m23498) |
| Alabama (Jefferson County), Leeds — John Henry — Ledgendary 'Steel Drivin' Man' |
| | The story of "steel driving' man" John Henry is one of America's most enduring legends. The strong ex-slave became a folk hero during construction of the Columbus & Western Railroad between Goodwater and Birmingham. He drilled holes for explosives used to blast tunnels. According to legend, he was involved in a race against a steam-powered drill that its manufacturer claimed could do the job faster than a man. Witnesses said after the all-day contest that he and his heavy hammer cleared . . . — Map (db m22207) |
| Alabama (Jefferson County), Leeds — The Depot |
| | The Depot was built by Richmond & Danville Extension Co. in 1883-84 following the completion of the Georgia & Pacific RR line between Birmingham and Atlanta, three years before the Town of Leeds was incorporated.
Richmond Terminal Co. operated Georgia - Pacific lines until 1888 when Richmond & Danville RR took over, succeeded by Southern Railway in 1894. Efforts to save the historic building were started in 1980 after Southern merged with Norfolk to become Norfolk-Southern RR. The . . . — Map (db m22209) |
| Alabama (Madison County), Huntsville — Passenger Depot — Huntsville, Alabama — Built 1860 |
| | Memphis and Charleston Railroad Company Eastern Division headquarters in this passenger depot, adjoining yards and ships captured by Union Army April 11, 1862. Vital east-west Confederate rail link severed; C.S.A. soldiers imprisoned here. Depot later used by Federal as base for gathering supplies for Western Theater military operations. After Civil War returned to M.&C.R.R. Co.; acquired by Southern Railway System 1898; since 1971 preserved by City of Huntsville. National Register of Historic Places 1971. — Map (db m22436) |
| Alabama (Montgomery County), Montgomery — Union Station & Riverfront Park |
| | Transportation center of Montgomery located in this area for many years. First steamboat, the "Harriet," landing nearby 1821. City wharf Constructed at landing place 1823. First railroad, Montgomery & West Point R.R., developed ca. 1840. By 1900 most major railroads in Central Alabama had connections here. Union Station and Tunnel connection to river landing built 1897. Because of decline in river traffic, Tunnel closed 1930. With development of Riverfront Park 1970's, Tunnel reopened. Ramp reopened 1981. — Map (db m22523) |
| Alaska (Yukon Koyukuk Borough), Nenana — Golden Spike |
| | A Golden Spike was
driven at this point by
President Harding
on completion of
the Alaska Railroad
July 15 1923 — Map (db m4286) |
| Arizona (Santa Cruz County), Patagonia — Patagonia Depot |
| | The New Mexico and Arizona Railroad which served Patagonia, was built by the Santa Fe in 1881-82 and was operated after 1897 by the Southern Pacific. The last portion of this line, terminating at Patagonia, was abandoned in 1962.
The Patagonia depot building dates from the turn of the century. In 1965 the Patagonia-Sonoita Rotary Club saved it from demolition and began a continuing effort to save it. Since 1974 the City of Patagonia has been using it for municipal offices. — Map (db m24108) |
| Arizona (Yavapai County), Prescott — Santa Fe Depot |
| | Prescott’s first railroad arrived on December 31, 1886. The current depot was built by the Santa Fe, Prescott and Phoenix Railway, also known as the “Peavine”, in 1907. Designed in the Mission Revival style of poured concrete with a barrel tile roof, it occupies a prominent location at the north end of Cortez Street and was the center of shipping and receiving in Yavapai County. The tracks were last in use on December 31, 1986, the 100th anniversary of the arrival of the railroad. . . . — Map (db m18767) |
| Arkansas (Clay County), St. Francis — Chalk Bluff Crossing and Town |
| | Since Crowley's Ridge provided the only natural route for north-south travel across the lowlands of northeastern Arkansas, an Indian trail and later a military road crossed the river here. About 1840 Abraham Seitz established a ferry which was later operated by Timothy Dalton. The town which grew up near the crossing faded away after 1882 when the railroad bridged the river downstream at the new town of St. Francis. — Map (db m4912) |
| California (Alameda County), Livermore — Livermore Southern Pacific Depot |
| | This railroad station having been located about half a mile west of the old town of Laddsville, on land owned by Wm. M. Mendenhall. Established the location of the town Livermore. The first depot was a freight car that was soon replaced by a building. In 1891 this building burned, and by August 1892 a combination passenger and freight depot was built.
Dedicated April 13, 1991
by Joaquin Murrieta Chapter 13
E Clampus Vitus — Map (db m19993) |
| California (Alameda County), Niles — Completion of the Transcontinental Railroad — Niles, California |
| | “May God continue the unity of our country as this railroad unites the two great oceans of the world.” The gold spike ceremony at Promontory, Utah in May of 1869 united the tracks of the Central Pacific and Union Pacific Railroads. However the trails did not span the United States from ocean to ocean until some months later. In September the final link between San Francisco and Sacramento was completed near the Flour Mill of Jesus Vallejo, a short distance east of this location. — Map (db m24473) |
| California (Alameda County), Oakland — Oakland Railroad History |
| | The railroad industry transformed Oakland from an oak forest to a thriving city. Rapid growth began when the Central Pacific Railroad absorbed local rail lines in 1868 and was granted right-of-way to build a freight and ferry pier. The Oakland Long Wharf, which extended into the bay off the end of Seventh Street, was completed in 1871 and became California's principal rail terminus. Central Pacific reorganized as Southern Pacific and sustained a waterfront monopoly for decades until a series of . . . — Map (db m19209) |
| California (Alameda County), Sunol — Niles Canyon Railway |
| | In 1869, the first Transcontinental Railroad passed this spot on its way to the shore of the San Francisco Bay. In 1984 the Southern Pacific Railroad abandoned this historic line between Niles and Tracy, California.
Volunteers of the Pacific Locomotive Association have rebuilt the portion of the line between Sunol and Niles, so that future generations may enjoy a ride over this important link in America’s Railroad heritage.
Dedicated to commemorate the one hundred and
twenty-fifth . . . — Map (db m24489) |
| California (Alpine County), Bear Valley — Reynold’s House — Point of Historical Interest |
| | About 200 yards offshore, in what was once Silver Valley lies the Reynold’s House. This house appears on an 1878 General Land Office map and was probably one of the many road houses along the route that catered to tourists and travelers. Reynold’s House was located near the crossroads of the Old Emigrant Trail (1849) and Big Trees-Carson Valley Road which replaced this section of the trail in 1866. Silver Valley was prematurely named in 1855 after a nearby “silver mine”. . . . — Map (db m10999) |
| California (Alpine County), Markleeville — Ebbetts Pass — Historical Landmark |
| | Named after Major John Ebbett and pointed out in 1853 to surveyor G.H. Goodard who referred to it as a “route of great promise – probably the best one for a transcontinental railway.”
No emigrant train used this route but a stage road was completed here in 1864 to serve mining region of Silver City. — Map (db m11444) |
| California (Amador County), Ione — Iron Ivan |
| | Old No. 7 was the last steam locomotive to operate over the Amador Central Railroad between Ione and Martell. The twelve mile long railroad lies entirely within Amador County and is one of the shortest railroads in this country. Iron Ivan is a fine example of one of the early steam locomotives produced by the Baldwin Locomotive Works. This engine was manufactured in January 1901 and was brought to the Amador Central Railroad from the McCloud River Railroad in 1937. The last trip was made by . . . — Map (db m2371) |
| California (Calaveras County), Valley Springs — Valley Springs |
| | The original three foot narrow gauge line was built by the San Joaquin & Sierra Nevada Railroad, extending from Brack’s Landing on the Mokelumne River, east to Valley Springs. The depot and turntable were built around the time of completion of the last section, which was finished in April 1885, at a total cost of $409,570. The line was changed to standard gauge by Southern Pacific around 1904. It was then extended 13 miles further east to Kentucky House to service the Calaveras Cement Company . . . — Map (db m10635) |
| California (Contra Costa County), Byron — Byron — Est. 1878 |
| | At this location, in 1878, a railroad station was established for the San Pablo and Tulare Railroad, which ran from Los Banos to Martinez, later to become part of the Southern Pacific Railway, for the purpose of taking on water, and became known as the "By Run".
This township was famous for shipping more hay than any other station in California at the turn of the century.
Dedicated to the early pioneers and settlers of this community.
Dedicated September 19, 1987
Joaquin Murrieta Chapter 13
E Clampus Vitus — Map (db m17325) |
| California (Contra Costa County), Clyde — The Only Train Stop in Clyde |
| | This monument commemorates what was once the only train stop in Clyde. The train that came through this stop in the early 1900's was owned by Southern Pacific and brought mail, passengers, and freight to this unique little town.
[Lower marker reads]:
The restoration of this site was done as a Boy Scout Eagle Project by Derek Richmond of Troop 370 in Concord, chartered by the Salvation Army.
Thanks to the people of Clyde, Troop 370, Orchard Supply Hardware, The Furniture Guy, Bay . . . — Map (db m17341) |
| California (Contra Costa County), Martinez — 6 — Southern Pacific R.R. Depot |
| | First located here April 28, 1876 by Central Pacific R.R. First passenger train passed through on September 25, 1877 with Leland Stanford aboard.
Historic Marker No. VI
Martinez Historical Society
July 4, 1991 — Map (db m19225) |
| California (Contra Costa County), Orinda — Bryant Station Site |
| | Bryant Station was the terminus of the California and Nevada Railroad, a narrow-gauge steam line which transported local harvests to the Emeryville docks. The railroad, formed in 1881, was originally planned to run passengers and freight to the silver mining camp of Bodie. By 1901, however, track beds had only been laid to Glorietta Boulevard, and the line to Orinda was abandoned.
The Bryant Station was named to honor Mayor Andrew J. Bryant of San Francisco. Mayor Bryant owned a large farm . . . — Map (db m24647) |
| California (El Dorado County), Latrobe — Latrobe — Est. 1864 |
| | The youngest town acquisition of El Dorado County owes its origin to the Placerville and Sacramento Valley Railroad. They established a station for neighboring Amador County at this crossing of the roads. The town started on the completion of the railroad. It was platted by Chief Engineer F. Bishop. He named the town after B. Latrobe, the civil engineer in charge of building the first railroad in the United States.
Dedicated January 26th 2008 by
E. Clampus Vitus Chapter 49
James W. Marshall — Map (db m19317) |
| California (Inyo County), Bishop — 953 — Laws Station |
| | In 1883 the Carson & Colorado Railroad was built between Mound House (Near Carson City, Nevada) through Laws to Keeler, California. A distance of 300 miles. Laws Station was named in honor of Mr. R.J. Laws, Assistant Superintendent of the railroad between 1883 and about 1915. This railroad provided the only dependable means of transportation in and out of Owens Valley. Train service was stopped on April 30, 1960
California Historical Landmark No.953 — Map (db m10333) |
| California (Inyo County), Death Valley Junction — Death Valley Junction |
| | This historic crossroad has been used by Indians, Clampers, Death Valley 49ers, ranchers, farmers, settlers and tourists. The town was originally called Amargosa. In 1907, the name was changed to Death Valley Junction. At this junction, the Tonopah & Tidewater Railroad connected with the Las Vegas-Tonopah Railroad to service the Ryan and Lila C. borax mines near Ryan during the years 1914-28. Death Valley Junction had rail service until 1940. At it's peak, the town had a population of 300. . . . — Map (db m13673) |
| California (Kern County), Caliente — 757 — Caliente |
| | Originally known as Allen's Camp after Gabriel Allen, who in the 1870s had a cabin and stock pasture near here, the settlement was named Caliente when railroad construction reached this point in April 1875. The town became a railroad terminal for about 16 months while a force of up to three thousand men, most of them Chinese, labored on the heavy railroad construction on the mountain. — Map (db m11935) |
| California (Kern County), Tehachapi — 508 — Tehachapi Loop |
| | From this spot may be seen a portion of the world-renowned “Loop.” It was completed in 1876 under the direction of William Hood, Southern Pacific Railroad Engineer. In gaining elevation around central hill of loop a 4000 foot train will cross 77 feet above its rear cars in tunnel below. — Map (db m11903) |
| California (Kern County), Tehachapi — Tehachapi Pass Railroad Line — Constructed 1874 – 1876 — Commemorated October 1998 |
| | In front of you is the world famous Tehachapi Loop which is about halfway upgrade to the Tehachapi Pass. This steep line averages 2.2% in gradient in its 28 miles of length. This feat of civil engineering genius was crowning achievement of civil engineer William Hood of the Southern Pacific Railway Company. It is one of the seven wonders of the railroad world.
The Tehachapi Pass Railroad Line was cut through solid and decomposed granite by up to 3000 Chinese laborers from Canton, China. They . . . — Map (db m11910) |
| California (Kern County), Tehachapi — The Great Flood of 1932 and Engine No. 3834 |
| | On September 30th torrential rains flooded Tehachapi Creek, undermining the tracks under Santa Fe Engine No. 3834 which was waiting out the storm about ½ mile east of Woodward Station. The engine disappeared into the raging water below. It remained “lost” for two weeks, hidden under 10 feet of mud. It took one month to free the severely damaged engine. Its bell was never found. Almost three years after the flood the newly refurbished engine was returned to service with people . . . — Map (db m11912) |
| California (Mariposa County), Coulterville — 6011 — Bagby |
| | From a vista point near the 1,156 long, 130 foot high bridge, completed in 1966, the site of Bagby lies east under, and sometimes exposed beside, the back waters of Lake McClure. Bagby's history passed through three definite development eras. From 1850 to 1859 it was the site for Thomas E. Ridley's ferry. Then a dam and Fremont's water-powered stamp mills were built there, and the place renamed Benton Mills for his father-in-law. Later Benjamin A, Bagby built a hotel, store, saloon, and . . . — Map (db m5957) |
| California (Mariposa County), Coulterville — Whistling Billy |
| | This eight-ton, short-wheel base, wood burning locomotive, built by the H. K. Porter Co. of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, was delivered to the Merced Mining Company of Coulterville in 1897. All of "Billy’s" active life was spent hauling gold-bearing quartz ore over the narrow-guage tracks from the Mary Harrison mine, south of town, to the Potosi stamp mill, west of town – a distance of about four miles. Abandoned in 1904, it was resurrected in the mid 1930's, and placed here for all to see and . . . — Map (db m5956) |
| California (Napa County), Calistoga — 687 — Calistoga Depot |
| | Built by Sam Brannan for the Napa Valley Railroad in 1868 one year before the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad. Second oldest remaining railroad station in California. Northern terminus of the Napa Valley Railroad and its successors the Napa Valley Branches of the Central Pacific Railroad and the Southern Pacific Railroad.
Restored in 1978 by Calistoga Depot Association
Dedicated March 17, 1979
Sam Brannan Chapter No.1004
E Clampus Vitus — Map (db m18570) |
| California (Nevada County), Truckee — China Wall of the Sierra |
| | Charles Crocker, Construction Chief of the Central Pacific Railroad (CPRR), contracted for a workforce of approximately 12,000 Chinese laborers to push the CPRR tracks over its Trans-Sierra Crossing on its race east to a meet with the Union Pacific at Promontory, Utah Territory. A railroad retaining wall and fill, constructed of Sierra granite, stand silently above on the pass as a lasting monument to the Asian “Master Builders” who left an indelible mark on the history of California and the West. — Map (db m23564) |
| California (Nevada County), Truckee — Donner Pass — Who Passed This Way |
| | For thousands of years, people have crossed the Sierra Nevada near this place called Donner Pass.
Traveling by foot, wagon, train or automobile, the journey has always been challenging.
By Foot
Long before it’s “discovery” by Euro-Americans, this 7,000 foot pass was used as a travel corridor by Native Americans.
The Washoe Indians trekked through the area, from their Great Basin home enroute to the foothills of California, to gather acorns and to trade. They . . . — Map (db m23571) |
| California (Nevada County), Truckee — Theodore Dehone Judah — 1826 – 1863 |
| | As Chief Engineer of the Central Pacific Railroad, Judah’s engineering skill, political savvy and financial genius, along with the promoters’ capital, culminated in formation and construction of the Trans – Sierra leg of the first transcontinental railroad. While fighting the excesses of the railroad’s promoters, he died without seeing his dream completed. — Map (db m23513) |
| California (Nevada County), Truckee — 780-6 — Truckee — First Transcontinental Railroad |
| | While construction on Sierra tunnels delayed Central Pacific, advance forces at Truckee began building forty miles of track east and west of Truckee moving all supplies by wagon and sled. Summit Tunnel was opened in December, 1867. The line reached Truckee April 3, 1868, and the Sierra was conquered. Rails reached Reno June 19, and construction advanced eastward one mile daily toward the meeting with Union Pacific at Promontory May 10, 1869, to complete the first Transcontinental Railroad. — Map (db m23560) |
| California (Placer County), Auburn — 404 — City of Auburn |
| | Gold discovered near here by Claude Chana May 16, 1848. Area first known as "North Fork" or "Wood's Dry Diggings". Settlement given name of Auburn in Fall of 1849. Soon became important mining town, trading post and stage terminal. County seat of Sutter County 1850 and Placer County 1851. Destroyed by fire 1855, 1859 and 1963.
State Registered Landmark No. 404
Tablet placed by California Centennials Commission
Base furnished by Placer County Historical Society
Dedicated September 23, 1950 — Map (db m685) |
| California (Placer County), Colfax — Cape Horn Promontory |
| |
View of Cape Horn Promontory
North Fork American River Canyon
Dedicated to the memory of thousands of Chinese who worked for Charles Crocker on the Central Pacific Railroad . They were lowered over the face of Cape Horn Promontory in wicker Bosun’s chairs to a point 1332 feet above the canyon floor. The ledge created for the railbed was completed May 1866. They are honored for their work ethic, and timely completion of the Transcontinental Rails ending in Promotory, Utah, May 1869. — Map (db m14437) |
| California (Placer County), Colfax — 780-5 — Colfax — First Continental Railroad |
| | Central Pacific Railroad reached Colfax, formerly Illinoistown September 1, 1865, and train service began four days later. Colfax was a vital construction supply depot and junction point for stage lines for ten months. It was renamed Governor Stanford in honor of Schuyler Colfax, Speaker of the House of Representatives and later Ulysses S. Grant’s Vice President. The real assault on the Sierra began here. — Map (db m13081) |
| California (Placer County), Colfax — Colfax Freight Depot — Listed in the National Register of Historic Places — 14 Nov. 1999 NPS. 99001564-000 |
| | Built circa 1880 by Central Pacific Railroad Company. Constructed of wood using Standard S.P. design known as Freight House #2. Exhibiting the Victorian era stick style. This building is the only freight depot of this type remaining in Placer County.
The freight depot served as the transfer point and terminus for the Nevada County Narrow Gauge Railroad. The N.C.N.G. transported passengers, mining supplies, gold and fruit from 20 April, 1876 to 10 July 1942.
In 1871, Morris Lobner, at . . . — Map (db m10980) |
| California (Placer County), Colfax — Nevada County Narrow Gauge Railroad — 1876 – 1942 — Placer County Terminus |
| | Depot was 100 yards N.E. of this spot. Built by John Flint Kidder between 1874-76. It ran 22 miles from Colfax to Nevada City via Grass Valley. Rails taken up on 1942. Sarah Kidder, widow of builder , world’s first woman railroad president 1901 – 13. — Map (db m14438) |
| California (Placer County), Colfax — Schuyler Colfax — 1865 |
| | Schuyler Colfax, Speaker of the House of Representatives, was asked by President Abraham Lincoln on April 14 to take a message to the miners of the west, that their prosperity is the prosperity of the Nation. These may have been Lincoln’s last words on public subjects, as he was shot later that evening at Ford Theatre, Washington, D.C.
In May 1865 Colfax traveled 2000 miles by stagecoach, reaching San Francisco on July 1, 1865. The slow journey emphasized the need for a railroad to the . . . — Map (db m10976) |
| California (Placer County), Dutch Flat — 397 — Dutch Flat |
| | Founded in the Spring of 1861 by Joseph and Charles Dornbach. From 1854 to 1882 it was noted for its rich hydraulic mines. In 1860 had the largest voting population in Placer County. Chinese inhabitants numbered about 2,000. Here Theodore Judah and Dr. D.W. Strong made the original subscriptions to build the First Transcontinental Railroad.
State Registered Landmark No. 397
Tablet placed by California Centennials Commission.
Base furnished by Placer County Historical Society
Dedicated July 23, 1950. — Map (db m549) |
| California (Placer County), Gold Hill — Chinese Railroad Workers |
| | About 1000 feet from this location is the track of the Transcontinental Railroad. In 1865 thousands of Chinese in Kwantung Provence China were recruited to work on this great connection between the East and West Coast . This monument is dedicated to the memory of those Chinese laborers who worked for Charles Crocker of the Central Pacific Railroad. — Map (db m23501) |
| California (Placer County), Lincoln — Butterfield/Jansen Building — [Early History; Corner Site Only] |
| | 1859: Charles Lincoln Wilson buys this site, previously patented by Theodore Judah.
1861: C.L. Wilson erects a wooden warehouse to serve railway terminal across 5th street.
1863: Used often as a community hall, “Roods Hall.” Roods was Wilson’s brother-in-law.
1870: Stephan & Melissa Burdge run a boarding house/hotel here during most of the decade.
1883: Historic Downtown Fire, July 11. Burdge Hotel burns—rebuilt across G Street. Gladding, McBean & . . . — Map (db m17835) |
| California (Placer County), Newcastle — 780-3 — Newcastle — First Transcontinental Railroad |
| | Regular freight and passenger trains began operating over the first 31 miles of Central Pacific's line to Newcastle on June 10, 1864, when political opposition and lack of money stopped further construction during that mild winter. Construction was resumed in April 1865. At this point, stagecoaches transferred passengers from the Dutch Flat Wagon Road. — Map (db m11141) |
| California (Placer County), Rocklin — 780-2 — Rocklin — First Transcontinental Railroad |
| | Central Pacific reached Rocklin, 22 miles from its Sacramento Terminus, in May, 1864, when the railroad established a major locomotive terminal here. Trains moving over the Sierra were generally cut in two sections at this point, in order to ascend the grade. The first CP freight movement was three carloads of Rocklin granite pulled by the engine "Governor Stanford". The terminal was moved to Roseville April 18, 1908. — Map (db m11088) |
| California (Placer County), Roseville — 780-1 — Roseville — First Transcontinental Railroad |
| | Central Pacific graders reached Junction, now Roseville, on November 23, 1863, crossing the line of the California Central, which began building northward from Folsom in May 1858. That line was abandoned in 1868. CP’s track reached junction April 25, 1864 when trains began making daily runs 18 miles to and from Sacramento. Now Roseville is a major railroad distribution center. — Map (db m11079) |
| California (Sacramento County), Folsom — Ashland Station |
| | In 1973, the oldest depot in the West moved to a new home. Ashland Station, reportedly the oldest railroad depot west of the Mississippi, was transported across Rainbow Bridge to its present location at the Folsom Interpretive Area next to the Folsom Chamber of Commerce. Crews moved the rustic station from its previous site at the intersection of Folsom Rd. and Greenback Lane by inching it across the narrow bridge. Ashland Station served the small town of Ashland, previously known as Big Gulch, . . . — Map (db m11153) |
| California (Sacramento County), Folsom — Folsom City |
| | In 1827 “Bible Totin” Jed Smith camped here in. In 1850 these diggings became known as Negro Bar, then named Granite City after the rocks, and in 1855 Joseph Folsom lent his name to this fair city.
Also in 1855 Folsom hired Theodore “Crazy” Judah to lay out a route for the Sacramento Valley Railroad between Sacramento and Folsom, the foothill metropolis. Judah later surveyed and planned the route for the Central Pacific over the Sierra Nevada.
In 1868 Folsom Prison . . . — Map (db m11875) |
| California (Sacramento County), Folsom — 702 — Folsom Pony Express Terminus |
| | Gold Rush and Railroad town Folsom became the Western Terminus of the Central Overland Pony Express on July 1, 1860. The express mail had been run by pony to and from Sacramento. Beginning on July 1, 1860, the
Sacramento Valley Railroad carried it between Sacramento and Folsom until Placerville was made the Terminus during July 1 - October 26, 1861. — Map (db m5090) |
| California (Sacramento County), Folsom — 558 — Folsom Terminal — California’s First Passenger Railroad |
| | Completion of the Sacramento Valley Railroad from Sacramento to Folsom was completed here February 22, 1856, by enthusiastic residents of both cities. The new line, 22 miles in length was commenced February 12, 1855, and was built by Theodore Dehone Judah, noted pioneer engineer. — Map (db m15613) |
| California (Sacramento County), Freeport — Freeport Railroad — 1863-1865 |
| | In 1863 a ten mile long short line was built from Brighton Station on the Sacramento Valley RR to this here spot. It was called “Freeport” because it avoided the high charges for landing freight and passengers at the Sacramento City embarcadero. The short line became a popular short cut to the “Washoe” mines. Central Pacific RR bought the line in 1865 and removed the track in 1866 to eliminate competition.
A short lived short cut short line.
New Helvetia . . . — Map (db m8869) |
| California (Sacramento County), Sacramento — A. J. Stevens Monument |
| | . . . — Map (db m17351) |
| California (Sacramento County), Sacramento — 526 — California’s First Passenger Railroad |
| | The Sacramento Valley Railroad running from Sacramento to Folsom, was begun at this site on February 12, 1855. Here, at Third and R Streets, was located the Sacramento passenger terminal. The turntable and freight depot were at Third and Front Streets. Completion of the railroad was celebrated at Folsom on February 22, 1856. — Map (db m16056) |
| California (Sacramento County), Sacramento — Central Pacific’s Other Big Four |
| | When the task of building the C.P.R.R. line over the Sierra provided too much for the Irish, Chinese laborers from Kwantung took over. Called Tze Yap or Four Districts Men, their hard work and perseverance earned them the nickname of “Cholly Clocker’s Pets.” — Map (db m16941) |
| California (Sacramento County), Sacramento — 780-8 — First Transcontinental Railroad — Western Base of the Sierra Nevada |
| | On January 12, 1864, President Abraham Lincoln decreed that where the Central Pacific Railroad crossed Arden Creek the western base of the Sierra Nevada began. The hardships of railroad construction through mountains resulted in increased government subsidies. These funds gave the company impetus to finish the transcontinental railroad.
CALIFORNIA REGISTERED HISTORICAL LANDMARK No. 780-8
Plaque placed by the State Department of Parks and Recreation in cooperation with the New Helvetia . . . — Map (db m18854) |
| California (Sacramento County), Sacramento — Freight on the Move — Central Pacific Railroad |
| | Since the days of Sutter’s Fort, Sacramento was the trading center for much of the Central Valley, the Sierra Nevada and points beyond. As the railroad network around the capital city expanded, Sacramento merchants were able to market a greater volume and range of goods over a larger area. Each day crates, barrels and sacks covered the Freight Depot as the ever increasing flow of shipments made it one of the busiest places in the city. But by evening, the large open deck was cleared. The . . . — Map (db m16052) |
| California (Sacramento County), Sacramento — Mark Hopkins — 1815 - 1878 |
| | Some 350 tons of Rocky Mountain Red Granite form the sarchophas that entombs the remains this Forty-Niner who ultimately became one of the “Big Four” in railroad history and Treasurer of the Central Pacific Railroad Company. This monstrous vault took a year and a half in construction and was completed in 1880 at a cost in excess of $80,000. — Map (db m10772) |
| California (Sacramento County), Sacramento — Mark Hopkins Monument |
| | Construction began on this splendid mausoleum in 1878 when the then very wealthy Mary Hopkins wished to provide a suitable resting place for her recently deceased husband Mark Hopkins.
Mark Hopkins had operated first a grocery store and then a hardware store in Sacramento in the 1850’s and became a founding partner of the Central Pacific Railroad, a visionary undertaking to build the first crossing of the continent by rail. One of the legendary Big Four, he served as Treasurer of the . . . — Map (db m14107) |
| California (Sacramento County), Sacramento — 633-2 — Old Folsom Powerhouse — Sacramento Station A |
| | The first distribution point of electricity for a major city, Station A was constructed in 1894. Built by the Sacramento Electric Power and Light Company to receive power generated from Folsom Powerhouse. The first transmission of electricity was on July 13, 1895. This power distribution network resulted in the first overhead wire streetcar system in the Central Valley. — Map (db m11185) |
| California (Sacramento County), Sacramento — 812 — Old Sacramento |
| | Founded in December 1848 by John A. Sutter, Jr., Sacramento was an outgrowth of Sutter’s Fort established by his father, Captain John A. Sutter, in 1839. State Capital since 1854, it was a major distribution point during the Gold Rush. A commercial and agricultural center, and terminus for wagon train, stagecoach, riverboat, telegraph, Pony Express, and the first Transcontinental Railroad. — Map (db m11486) |
| California (Sacramento County), Sacramento — The Birth Place of the Railroads |
| | “The Docks” area is significant in that California’s first railroad began here. Railroads have directly influenced the development of the southern waterfront for more than 100 years. The Sacramento Valley Rail Road, the pioneer steam line in California, was built from the foot of R Street to the town of Folsom in 1855. In 1859, the railroad was extended along Front Street to the foot of K Street. For much of this period, the railroad maintained a freight interchange with river . . . — Map (db m16727) |
| California (Sacramento County), Sacramento — The Interurban Railroad Lines |
| | Another distinctive era in the demographic history of the southern waterfront occurred when the construction of several interurban railroad lines along Front Street revitalized the area. In the first decade of the 20th century, several interurban railroads were constructed in downtown Sacramento. The Northern Electric Railway to Sacramento, which served the northern Sacramento Valley in the early 20th century, was completed in 1907. The line extended from Chico to Sacramento’s waterfront. At . . . — Map (db m16544) |
| California (Sacramento County), Sacramento — The Northern Electric Bridge |
| | In 1911, the Northern Electric Railway Company, along with Sacramento and Yolo counties, built the Northern Electric Bridge. The bridge carried a single railroad track with twin motor-vehicle roadways. Pedestrian walks cantilevered from the central support structure. It had two fixed-approach spans, each 125 feet long, with a center draw of 400 feet. The 12-foot square operator’s house, constructed of 4-inch thick concrete, was placed over the center of the structure.
Two 60 HP-D.C. motors . . . — Map (db m16492) |
| California (Sacramento County), Sacramento — Theodore Dehone Judah — That The West May Remember — America’s First |
| | This monument was erected by the men and women of the Southern Pacific Company, who, in 1930, were carrying on the work he began in 1860. He convinced four Sacramento merchants that his plan was practical and enlisted their help. Ground was broken for the railroad January 8, 1863.
Judah died November 2, 1863.
The road was built past the site of this monument. Over the lofty Sierra – along the line of Judah’s survey – to a junction with the Union Pacific at . . . — Map (db m11735) |
| California (Sacramento County), Sacramento — View Near the M Street Bridge |
| | Sacramento’s importance during the Gold Rush was as a supply depot for outlying towns in the foothill-mining region. The City’s central location to the northern mining region, combined with reliable year-round river transportation to San Francisco, made it ideal as the commercial service point for the mines. — Map (db m16496) |
| California (San Bernardino County), Barstow — 892 — Barstow Harvey House |
| | Harvey Houses were legendary in the history of Western rail travel. Operated by Fred Harvey in conjunction with this Santa Fe Railway, the network of restaurant-hotels set a new standard in quality meal service. Barstow's Spanish-Moorish "Casa Del Desierto" opened in 1911 and closed in 1971. It was registered as one of the last and finest remaining examples of the West's famous Harvey Houses. — Map (db m334) |
| California (San Bernardino County), Ontario — Mule Car |
| | From August 14 1888, to September 24th, 1895,
the Ontario & San Antonio Heights R.R.
Company’s gravity mule car transported citizens
up-and-down Euclid Avenue from a Holt Boulevard
to 24th Street. The cars were designed by
John H. Tayes. After the termination of service,
the original cars disappeared.
In 1956, William Richardson headed a group of
citizens to have a replica of the original Mule
Car constructed for the city's 75th anniversary
in 1957. With donated funds "a . . . — Map (db m372) |
| California (San Joaquin County), Lathrop — Lathrop |
| | Called Wilson’s Station
From 1849 until 1869
Was given the name by Leland Stanford when he moved his Central Pacific Railroad terminal here and dedicated the town to his wife’s family. In 1886, after a dispute with local citizens, Stanford moved the terminal to Tracy.
Dedicated by Manteca Historical Society
May 21, 2005 — Map (db m20006) |
| California (San Joaquin County), Lathrop — 780-7 — Site of Completion of Pacific Railroad — First Transcontinental Railroad |
| | The construction of the San Joaquin River Bridge completed the last link of the Transcontinental Railroad. Building had simultaneously proceeded from the Bay Area and Sacramento and met at the San Joaquin River. The first train crossed the bridge on September 8, 1869. — Map (db m11380) |
| California (San Mateo County), Burlingame — 864 — Burlingame Railroad Station |
| | This first permanent building in the Mission Revival style of architecture was designed by George H. Howard and J. B. Mathison and financed by local residents and the Southern Pacific Railroad. It opened for service on October 10, 1894. The roof used 18th-century tiles from the Mission San Antonio de Padua at Jolon and the Mission Dolores Asistencia at San Mateo. — Map (db m2623) |
| California (San Mateo County), Burlingame — Burlingame Train Station |
| | "The prettiest station on the line" - S. F. Chronicle, December 10, 1893.
First opened for service October 10, 1894.
Restored June 14, 1986.
Cal Trans - Save our Station Committee - City of Burlingame
100 years of continuous rail service celebrated September 17, 1994.
Burlingame Train Station Centennial Celebration Committee
When opened in 1894, this station stood alone in an open field. It was built for passenger and freight service to accommodate the estates west of the highway . . . — Map (db m14102) |
| California (San Mateo County), Colma — Mount Olivet Cemetery Office and Streetcar Line |
| | In 1896, the Abbey Land and Improvement Company established Mount Olivet Cemetery. During that year, the company also obtained a franchise from the County of San Mateo to run a street car line from the tracks of the “40 Line” to the office building at the entrance of the cemetery. The Mount Olivet Local Line, as it was called, serviced visitors to the cemetery until 1926 when the “40 Line” was relocated.
Dedicated January 11, 1986
TOWN OF COLMA
Ancient and Honorable Order
E. CLAMPUS VITUS — Map (db m18345) |
| California (San Mateo County), Colma — Old Colma Railroad Station — Depot Building — Circa 1863 |
| | In 1870, Southern Pacific Railroad assumed ownership of the San Francisco and San Jose Railroad, which had originally been opened as an independent railroad in 1863. The second stop south of San Francisco, in what then was the center of the larger Northern San Mateo County area historically known as Colma was called the Schoolhouse Stop. The name for the station came from the nearby oneroom schoolhouse on San Pedro Road, the most recognizable landmark in the rural landscape at the time. . . . — Map (db m18384) |
| California (San Mateo County), Colma — Old Colma Railroad Station — Freight Building — Circa 1881 |
| | In 1870, Southern Pacific Railroad assumed ownership of the San Francisco and San Jose Railroad, which had originally been opened as an independent railroad in 1863. The second stop south of San Francisco, in what was the center of the larger Northern San Mateo County area historically known as Colma was called the Schoolhouse Stop. The name for the station came from the nearby one-room schoolhouse on San Pedro Road, the most recognizable landmark in the rural landscape at the time. Schoolhouse . . . — Map (db m18390) |
| California (San Mateo County), Colma — Railroad Semaphore Signal — Circa 1898 |
| | This type of railroad signal was introduced, circa 1898, to control the movement of trains and to prevent accidents. The blade moved up or down corresponding with green, yellow or red lights.
(Donated by
Southern Pacific
Transportation Company) — Map (db m18389) |
| California (San Mateo County), Menlo Park — 955 — Menlo Park Railroad Station |
| | This building, constructed in 1867 by the San Francisco and San Jose Railroad Company, is the oldest railroad passenger station in California. The Victorian ornamentation was added in the 1890s when the station was remodeled to serve the newly-opened Stanford University. The extension on the northwest was added to accommodate increased traffic generated by the establishment of Camp Fremont nearby during World War I. — Map (db m2483) |
| California (San Mateo County), Portola Valley — Hallidie Tramway |
| | In 1894 Andrew Hallidie, inventor of San Francisco’s cable cars, built an aerial tramway on his hillside property, Eagle Home Farm. It served as a model for prospective customers. The tramway stretched 7,341 ft from this vicinity to a station near the intersection of Skyline Blvd. and Old La Honda Road, a vertical rise of 1,168 ft. Heavy timbers created the towers from which the cable hung. The longest span between towers was 630 ft. The highest point above the ground was 120 ft. A 10 horse . . . — Map (db m18467) |
| California (San Mateo County), San Carlos — San Carlos Station — 1888 - 1988 |
| | Southern Pacific constructed this station in 1888 to meet the needs of the new town of San Carlos. The use of the Richardsonian Romanesque Revival style of architecture was exceedingly rare for railroad depots in California. This style and the use of Almaden sandstone are strong links to Stanford University and its architect, Charles Coolidge, who may have designed this station. The station has served as a church, post office, library and restaurant. It was designated as a city Landmark in 1976 . . . — Map (db m11041) |
| California (Santa Clara County), Campbell — South Pacific Coast Railroad |
| | Incorporated March 29, 1876, and financed by Comstock Lode money. Its northern terminus was San Francisco Ferry Building. Passengers were transported by ferry to Alameda where they boarded the cars for their 77.6 mile rail ride to Santa Cruz. In 1886, Benjamin Campbell gave this station site to the railroad, and on July 1, 1887, the line was leased to Southern Pacific Railroad — Map (db m24171) |
| California (Santa Clara County), Santa Clara — Santa Clara Depot |
| | Members of Mountain Charlie, Chapter No. 1850, E. Clampus Vitus, commend the South Bay Historical Railroad Society for their volunteer efforts in restoring the Santa Clara Depot.
Constructed in 1863 for the San Francisco and San Jose Railroad, it is the oldest continuously operating railroad depot in the State of California.
The South Bay Historical Railroad Society was founded in 1985 to rehabilitate this structure and establish a museum and library dedicated to the preservation of the . . . — Map (db m24284) |
| California (Santa Clara County), Santa Clara — Santa Clara Depot |
| | The Santa Clara Depot, built in 1864, was an original waystation on the San Francisco & San Jose Railroad Line. Originally built on the east side of the tracks, the depot was moved in 1877 to its present location so it would be on the same side of the tracks as the city and the university.
It is the oldest passenger depot still in use in California. The structure was placed on the National Register of Historic Places, February 28, 1985.
Restored in 1986 by South Bay Historical . . . — Map (db m24288) |
| California (Stanislaus County), Patterson — Patterson & Western Railroad |
| | The narrow gauge railroad winding some 25 miles from Patterson through Del Puerto Canyon operated from Sept. 20, 1916 to August 14, 1920. During World War I, the railroad brought the much needed minerals of magnesite, manganese chrome and quicksilver down the rugged canyon to the processing plant. The railroad served dozens of mines. There was a 3,000 foot tramway up to a mine high up on the side of the canyon. The furthermost terminal was the station of Jones, believed to be 3.8 miles west of . . . — Map (db m17968) |
| California (Tuolumne County), Groveland — Hetch Hetchy Railroad |
| | Masterminding the Hetch Hetchy Water and Power Project was the brilliant chief engineer Michael Maurice O’Shaughnessy. One of his first priorities was to build a reliable and high-capacity standard gauge railway that could traverse the rugged terrain even during winter snows.
This 68 mile-long railroad carried timber, concrete and other supplies, along with work crews and visitors, to and from the dam construction site. The railroad’s round-the-clock schedule during all four seasons . . . — Map (db m1944) |
| California (Tuolumne County), Tuolumne — 5997 — Ralph’s Station |
| | Land homesteaded by Isaac Taylor Holland and the adjoining Campbell property was sold to Jonathan Florentine Ralph, who later divided and gave the parcels to his son's Galo, Walter, and Frank. An apple packing house, served by the Sierra Railroad Co., was built by Frank. For over 35 years the son's grew apples & pears which were shipped and sold on the New York market. Ralph's Station was the starting point of the historic Sugar Pine Railroad. Incorporated Feb. 25, 1903, which served the massive lumbering industry. — Map (db m6710) |
| Colorado (Adams County), Strasburg — The Rail Chains Final Link — Pacific Atlantic |
| | A continuous chain of rails from Atlantic to Pacific -- long a vision of pioneer railroaders and frontier-tamers -- became reality at 3:00 P.M. on August 15, 1870. At a point 3,812 ft. east of the depot in what now is Strasburg, Colorado. Near Comanche Crossing, named for a usually dry, sometimes rampaging creek, the last rails were spiked by Kansas Pacific Railroad crews driving west from Kansas and East from Denver to give the Nation its first truly continuous coast-to-coast railroad. On the . . . — Map (db m17596) |
| Colorado (Clear Creek County), Silver Plume — Argentine Central Railway |
| | Argentine Central Shay Locomotive No. 1 in Silver Plume, 1905. The Argentine Central Railway, incorporated in 1905 and built to service the Argentine Mining District in the Waldorf area, reached the summit of Mt. McClellan in 1906. The railroad used Shay (or geared) locomotives to climb from Silver Plume to Mt. McClellan, a distance of almost sixteen miles and a gain of 3,941 feet in elevation. The railway operated until 1918 and was completely scrapped in 1920.
Dedicated May 27, 2006. — Map (db m13629) |
| Colorado (Denver County), Denver — Lower Downtown, Walking Tour, Union Station — 1880 / 1914 |
| | Denver's Union Station was constructed to consolidate rail activity in the City and to replace the four separate stations serving the boom town. When completed in 1890 in an Italianate style of Colorado Rhyolite with sandstone trim, the station measured 504 feet in length and was topped by a 128 foot tower, making it the largest structure in Colorado at the time. Twenty thousand proud Denverites attended the opening festivities of the station. The 1880 building was designed by Architect William . . . — Map (db m14509) |
| Colorado (Denver County), Denver — Passing of the Street Car |
| | This tablet is the
Property of the State of Colorado
——
This plaque was presented to the City of Denver by the Colorado State Historical Society and the American Pioneer Trails Association on June 3, 1951, the day street cars were retired and the city's transit system was converted to rubber-tired vehicles.
The plaque commemorates the passing of the street car which served the city's transit needs for nearly 80 years starting with the horse car December 17, . . . — Map (db m4679) |
| Colorado (Denver County), Denver — Union Station Area |
| | Denver's emergence as the metropolis of the Rockies is directly related to its role as the regional rail hub. When the transcontinental railroad chose Cheyenne and not Denver as its gateway to the west, Denverites rallied. Civic leaders such as Governor John Evans, Walter Scott Cheeseman, William J. Palmer and David Holliday Moffat, Jr. knew Denver would not survive without a railroad. Coloradans raised $300,000 in three days to build a 106-mile rail link to connect Denver with Cheyenne. At the . . . — Map (db m4641) |
| Colorado (Fremont County), Cańon City — Royal Gorge |
| | Lt. Zubulon M. Pike and his men, who traveled through this area in November and December 1806, were the first American explorers to view the Arkansas River Canyon now known as the Royal Gorge. A small party from the Maj. Stephen H. Long expedition visited the mouth of the canyon in 1820, as did members of Lt. John C. Fremont's expedition in 1845.
In 1878 a right of way through Royal Gorge became the focal point of a bitter struggle between The Denver and Rio Grande and the Atchison, Topeka . . . — Map (db m4329) |
| Connecticut (Fairfield County), Old Greenwich — Sound Beach Railroad Station |
| | Built 1892, moved to this location 1895. Renamed Old Greenwich Railroad Station 1931. Has been placed on the National Register of Historic Places by the United States Department of the Interior. — Map (db m2485) |
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