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

Colfax

First Transcontinental Railroad

Photographed by Syd Whittle, February 7, 2006

1. First Transcontinental Railroad Marker - Colfax

Inscription.
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.

Erected 1969 by The State Department of Parks and Recreation in cooperation with The Conference of California Historical Societies and The Placer County Historical Society, May 9, 1969. (Marker Number 780-5.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Railroads & Streetcars. In addition, it is included in the California Historical Landmarks, and the First Transcontinental Railroad series lists. A significant historical date for this entry is September 1, 1780.

Location. 39° 6.011′ N, 120° 57.159′ W. Marker is in Colfax, California, in Placer County. It is on East Grass Valley Street, on the right when traveling south. Marker is located at the entrance to the AMTRAK Station. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Colfax CA 95713, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in California’s Sacramento Metro,

in the Sierra Nevada,

and in the Lake Tahoe Basin.

It is also in the American Mountain West.

Globally, it is in North America,

on the Ring of Fire,

in the Pacific Rim,

in the Western Hemisphere,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain

and also Mexico’s Alta California.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Nevada County Narrow Gauge Railroad (here, next to this marker);

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Schuyler Colfax (a few steps from this marker); Robert G. Fowler - Colfax (within shouting distance of this marker); First Brick Building in Colfax (within shouting distance of this marker); Murphy’s Saloon (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Leopold & Josephine Lobner (about 300 feet away); IOOF Hall (about 300 feet away); Illinoistown Lodge No. 51 (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Colfax.

More about this marker. Also See: Nearby Schuyler Colfax marker and all other California Transcontinental Railroad markers for additional information.

Regarding Colfax. This site has been designated as California Registered Historical Landmark No.780-5

Also see . . .
1. First Transcontinental Railroad-Colfax. Sierra Nevade Tourism website entry (Submitted on February 7, 2022, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)

2. Central Pacific Railroad Museum. Website homepage (Submitted on October 28, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.)

Colfax Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Syd Whittle, February 7, 2006

2. Colfax Marker

The Schuyler Colfax Monument and Marker are behind this marker on the left

Town of Colfax image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Syd Whittle, February 7, 2006

3. Town of Colfax

Marker is on the front of base on the left in the center of photo. The Nevada County Narrow Gauge Railroad marker is located on the right.

Colfax Station image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Syd Whittle, February 7, 2006

4. Colfax Station

This building was placed on the National Register of Historical Places on January 15, 1999.

Photographed by Syd Whittle, February 7, 2006

5. Colfax Station

Town of Colfax Looking from the AMTRAK Station image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Syd Whittle, February 7, 2006

6. Town of Colfax Looking from the AMTRAK Station

Photographed by Syd Whittle, February 7, 2006

7. Main Street

Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2022. It was originally submitted on October 28, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. This page has been viewed 1,843 times since then and 28 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 28, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. 3. submitted on December 15, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. 4, 5, 6, 7. submitted on October 28, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.