Near Davenport in Santa Cruz County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Swanton
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, January 3, 2013
1. Swanton Marker
A 26 mile section between Tunitas and Scott Creek was never completed and passengers made the connection on Jim Gray’s Auto Stage Line in Stanley Steamers.
Ending here at the Laurel Grove Inn, the Swanton Spur, financed by the San Vicinte Lumber Company to transport logs to their mill in Santa Cruz, also carried the loggers to Davenport’s Landing seeking entertainment and libations following payday.
Bankruptcy was declared in 1909 as a result of the 1906 earthquake and its financial aftershocks. The railroad was reorganized in 1911 as the Ocean Shore Railroad Company
The dream of a railroad between San Francisco and Santa Cruz was never fulfilled. The last train ran on August 16, 1920.
Erected 1993 by E Clampus Vitus, Monterey Viejo Chapter No. 1846.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Railroads & Streetcars. In addition, it is included in the E Clampus Vitus series list. A significant historical month for this entry is May 1905.
Location. 37° 3.984′
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 6 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Swanton Pacific Ranch (approx. 0.3 miles away); Washout 1997 to 2001 (approx. 0.3 miles away); Big Creek Light and Power Company (approx. ¾ mile away); Don Gaspar de Portolá (approx. 3½ miles away); St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church (approx. 4.3 miles away); Davenport Jail (approx. 4.3 miles away); Dickerman-Steele House (approx. 5.6 miles away); Steele Brothers' Dairy Ranches (approx. 5.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Davenport.
Also see . . . A Brief History of the Ocean Shore Railroad - San Francisco Trains. One of the wonderful aspects of the turn-of-the-century era was the multitude of grandious schemes for the development of California. In the early 1900's, the country had rebounded from the depression of the 1890's, so a renewed sense of optimism was the mood of the day. It was in this frame of mind that prominent San Francisco businessmen schemed to create a coast railroad from San Francisco to Santa Cruz. It was initially called the Ocean Shore Electric Railway. (Submitted on January 6, 2013, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.)
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, January 3, 2013
2. Swanton Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on August 29, 2020. It was originally submitted on January 6, 2013, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 585 times since then and 14 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on January 6, 2013, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.
