Auburn in Placer County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Bloomers Cut

Photographed By Dave Geschke, Auburn Parlor NSGW

1. Bloomers Cut Marker

Inscription. So named because of its location on the Bloomer Ranch, it remains virtually unchanged since its original construction in 1864. The overwhelming task of construction was undertaken by the diligent, hard working efforts of a small band of Chinese laborers. Using picks, shovels and black powder, they inched their way through the conglomerate rock cemented together with rock-hard clay. At the time of its completion, Bloomers Cut was considered the eighth wonder of the world. The first Central Pacific train rolled into Auburn on May 11, 1865.

Erected 1991 by Native Sons of the Golden West, Thomas W. Perazzo, Grand President.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Asian Americans • Railroads & Streetcars. In addition, it is included in the Chinese Heritage Sites of the American West, the Native Sons/Daughters of the Golden West, and the Transcontinental Railroad series lists. A significant historical date for this entry is May 11, 1865.

Location. 38° 52.677′ N, 121° 4.987′ W. Marker is in Auburn, California, in Placer County. Marker is at the intersection of Herdal Drive and Quinn Way on Herdal Drive. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Auburn CA 95603, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow

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flies. Travelers’ Rest (approx. one mile away); Location of Camp Flint (approx. 1.1 miles away); Placer County Museum (approx. 1.1 miles away); Camp Flint (approx. 1.1 miles away); Jean Baptiste Charbonneau (approx. 1.1 miles away); Gietzen Fire Station (approx. 1.1 miles away); Chinese Houses (approx. 1.1 miles away); The Auburn Joss House (approx. 1.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Auburn.

More about this marker. Herdal Drive appears to have been planned to go further but instead it ends at the corner of Quinn Way. There is a wooden barricade fence and the monument is just over the fence. Follow the path beyond the monument for about 2/10 of a mile to the edge of the cut.

Regarding Bloomers Cut. It is 800 feet long and as deep as 63 feet at the center of the ridge.

Also see . . . Sierra Nevada Geotourism Guide - Bloomers Cut. Excerpt:

In 1862, Indiana State Representative William Holman remarked about the Transcontinental Railroad that it…“could never be constructed on terms applicable to ordinary roads…it is to be constructed through almost impassable mountains, deep ravines, canyons, gorges, and over arid and sandy plains.”
Photographed By Dave Geschke, Auburn Parlor NSGW

2. Bloomers Cut Monument
The monument stands just over the fence at the end of Herdal Drive. Bloomers Cut is beyond, through the trees.
Representative Holman identified most of the obstacles that faced the construction of the Transcontinental Railroad and Bloomer Cut is a stunning, historic example of how those obstacles were overcome. The cut is an engineering marvel and a testament to the strength and determination of the laborers who built it.

(Submitted on April 17, 2016, by James King of San Miguel, California.)

Additional commentary.
1. misspelling on the marker
Note is made of the misspelling on the marker itself. In the text, reference is made that Bloomer Cut was the "eigth" wonder of the world when the correct spelling of that word is "eighth."

— Submitted June 4, 2022, by Phil Sexton of Auburn, California.

Bloomers Cut image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Dave Geschke, Auburn Parlor NSGW

3. Bloomers Cut

Credits. This page was last revised on June 5, 2022. It was originally submitted on April 17, 2016, by James King of San Miguel, California. This page has been viewed 1,161 times since then and 108 times this year. It was the Marker of the Week May 3, 2020. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on April 17, 2016, by James King of San Miguel, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.