Santa Clara in Santa Clara County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

The Santa Clara Interlocking Control Tower

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, September 17, 2013

1. The Santa Clara Interlocking Control Tower Marker

Inscription. Built in 1928 and used around the clock until July 17, 1993 the Santa Clara Interlocking Control Tower is one of two Harriman Standard No. 4 towers in California.

The General Railway Signal Co. Model 2 unit, lever type interlocking machine on the upper floor, operated the many switches and signals that controlled railway traffic from the Peninsula line ‘from San Francisco’ and the Mulford line ‘from Oakland.’ The out buildings, the tool shed and the speeder shed, were used to store track inspectors car and tools.

After 65 years of continuous service, control of the line was transferred to the computer at San Jose Depot. It was the end of an era.

For the benefit of our community and our heritage, the SBHRS, City of Santa Clara and Mt. Charlie Chapter 1850 of E. Clampus Vitus hereby dedicated this plaque.
“Right Wrongs Nobody”

Separate plaque below:

This plaque was to be dedicated in 1999, but after many delays, this monument was built and dedicated on May 25, 2013.

Erected 2013 by E Clampus Vitus, Mountain Charlie Chapter 1850.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Railroads & Streetcars.

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In addition, it is included in the E Clampus Vitus series list. A significant historical date for this entry is May 25, 2013.

Location. 37° 21.225′ N, 121° 56.266′ W. Marker is in Santa Clara, California, in Santa Clara County. Marker is at the intersection of Benton Street and Railroad Avenue, on the left when traveling north on Benton Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 471 Benton Street, Santa Clara CA 95050, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Santa Clara Tower (here, next to this marker); Santa Clara Depot (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); a different marker also named Santa Clara Depot (about 600 feet away); Santa Clara Mission (about 600 feet away); Santa Clara Women’s Club Adobe (approx. 0.2 miles away); Mission Santa Clara (approx. 0.3 miles away); The Changing Church (approx. 0.3 miles away); The Five Sites of Santa Clara de Asís Mission (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Santa Clara.

Also see . . . The Santa Clara Tower. The South Bay Historical Railroad Society's (SBHRS) collection of photos of the tower. (Submitted on October 16, 2013.)

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, September 17, 2013

2. The Santa Clara Interlocking Control Tower Marker

This marker is on the right.

The Santa Clara Interlocking Control Tower image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, September 17, 2013

3. The Santa Clara Interlocking Control Tower

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, September 17, 2013

4. The Santa Clara Interlocking Control Tower

Credits. This page was last revised on December 30, 2023. It was originally submitted on September 30, 2013, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 487 times since then and 14 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on September 30, 2013, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.