Near Tehachapi in Kern County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
The Cross at the Loop
San Bernardino Train Disaster
Photographed By Craig Baker, September 21, 2019
1. The Cross at the Loop Marker
In memory of conductor Everett S. Crown, brakeman Allan R. Riess, who lost their lives in a tragic train wreck in San Bernardino Calif. May 12, 1989.
Erected by employees and S.P.T.C.O.
Erected by Southern Pacific Railroad.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Disasters • Railroads & Streetcars. A significant historical date for this entry is May 12, 1989.
Location. 35° 11.948′ N, 118° 32.285′ W. Marker is near Tehachapi, California, in Kern County. Marker can be reached from Broome Road, 0.3 miles north of Woodford-Tehachapi Road, on the left when traveling north. Located within the Tehachapi Loop, on private property. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Keene CA 93531, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 5 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Tehachapi Loop (approx. 0.3 miles away); Tehachapi Pass Railroad Line (approx. 0.3 miles away); The Great Flood of 1932 and Engine No. 3834 (approx. 0.4 miles away); Cesar E. Chavez National Monument (approx. 2.1 miles away); A Humble Home (approx. 2.2 miles away); Helen's Park (approx. 2.2 miles away); Nüwa - Kawaiisu People (approx. 4.3 miles away); Bear Valley Historic Schoolhouse (approx. 4.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Tehachapi.
Regarding The Cross at the Loop.
this page online
Two weeks later, a gasoline pipeline near the tracks erupted in flames hundreds of feet high, spraying 300,000 gallons of burning fuel onto homes and streets, killing 2 more residents and destroying 11 more homes. The pipeline had been damaged by the cleanup crews’ heavy equipment.
After the accidents, the railroad bought the homes that were damaged or destroyed, promising to turn the land into a memorial park. Thirty years later, this has still not happened.
Additional commentary.
1. Access blocked by locked gate
Access to Broome Road and the marker is blocked by locked gates with no trespassing signs at both ends of Broome Road.
— Submitted January 9, 2021, by George Mouchet of Tehachapi, California.
Photographed By Craig Baker, September 21, 2019
2. The Cross at the Loop Marker
A bench near the tracks faces the marker and the cross.
2. Access Through Gate
At mid-day on weekdays, a gate on Broome Road near Woodford-Tehachapi Road is sometimes open, and visits to the marker might be possible. This is private property.
— Submitted November 14, 2022, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California.
Additional keywords. San Bernardino Train Disaster, Duffy Street
Photographed By Craig Baker, September 21, 2019
3. The Cross
Located on a hilltop within the Loop.
Photographed By Craig Baker, September 21, 2019
4. The Cross
With a string of lights wrapped around it, and a freight train in the Loop.
Photographed By Craig Baker, September 21, 2019
5. Marker at the Cross
“May 12, 1989. In loving memory of Everett S. Crown and Allan R. Reiss, and to all who have given their lives for the Mountain Divisions of the Southern Pacific and Santa Fe Railroads”.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 10, 2023. It was originally submitted on September 23, 2019, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. This page has been viewed 1,098 times since then and 186 times this year. Last updated on October 20, 2019, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on September 23, 2019, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.
