Folsom in Sacramento County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Folsom Terminal
California’s First Passenger Railroad
Photographed By Syd Whittle, January 25, 2009
1. Folsom Terminal Marker
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.
Erected 1956 by The California State Park Commission in cooperation with the Sacramento County Historical Society, December 20, 1956. (Marker Number 558.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Railroads & Streetcars. In addition, it is included in the California Historical Landmarks series list. A significant historical month for this entry is February 1668.
Location. 38° 40.549′ N, 121° 10.812′ W. Marker is in Folsom, California, in Sacramento County. Marker is at the intersection of Sutter Street and Stafford Street, on the right when traveling south on Sutter Street. Marker is located at Leidesdorff Plaza at the Folsom Light Rail Station. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Folsom CA 95630, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Leidesdorff Plaza (here, next to this marker); W.L. Perkins Warehouse (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Site of Car/Carpenter Shop (1863) (about 400 feet away); Turning the Trains
this page online
Regarding Folsom Terminal. This site has been designated as California Registered Historical Landmark No.558
Also see . . .
1. Building the SVRR. Wayback Machine archival entry from Pacific Coast Chapter, Railway & Locomotive Historical Society website:
A group of businessmen met in Sacramento in June of 1852. The result of that historic meeting was a tentative organization, known as the Sacramento Valley Railroad. (1) The new line, the first commercial railroad west of the Mississippi, would not only connect, by rail, Sacramento and Marysville, ". . . two of the most important distributing points in the interior," but would provide a reliable source of supply to the latter city and, at the same time, would traverse the fringe area of the mountain diggings. (Submitted on January 25, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.)
2. Theodore Judah. Wikipedia
Photographed By Syd Whittle, January 25, 2009
2. Folsom Terminal Marker
Huntington Library Collection
3. Advertising Map of the Sacramento Valley Railroad Route, 1863
Photographed By Syd Whittle, November 12, 2005
4. Sacramento Valley Railroad Turntable at Folsom (Reconstructed)
via Wikipedia, 1862
5. Theodore D. Judah, c.1862, age 36
(1826-1863), Chief Engineer, Central Pacific Railroad Company of California.
Photographed By Syd Whittle, January 25, 2009
6. Trace of Original Railroad Tracks Located Next to the Marker
Photographed By Southern Pacific RR, circa 1856
7. Folsom Terminal
California State Library - Archives, circa 1869
8. Sacramento Valley Railroad, Engine 162
On the tracks at the foot of "U" Street in Sacramento.
Credits. This page was last revised on April 20, 2021. It was originally submitted on January 25, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. This page has been viewed 1,967 times since then and 29 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on January 25, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. 3. submitted on December 19, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. 4. submitted on February 11, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. 5. submitted on April 20, 2021, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. 6. submitted on January 25, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. 7. submitted on December 13, 2011, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. 8. submitted on February 5, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.
