Southside Park in Sacramento in Sacramento County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Theodore Judah

Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, January 23, 2020

1. Theodore Judah Marker

Inscription. Determined to be the "pioneer railroad engineer of the Pacific coast,” Theodore Judah was the chief engineer for the Sacramento Valley Railroad line that was completed along R Street in 1856. It was the first commercial railroad line west of the Mississippi River.

His dreams and enthusiasm earned him the nickname “Crazy Judah” for his ambition to build a transcontinental railroad. After surveying a route over the Sierra Nevada, Judah convinced four Sacramento merchants to back a new rail line that would connect the eastern and western shores of the United tates. The Central Pacific Railroad started construction in Sacramento in 1863. The transcontinental railroad was completed on May 10, 1869.

Erected 2011 by City of Sacramento, Capitol Area Development Authority.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Railroads & Streetcars. A significant historical date for this entry is May 10, 1869.

Location. 38° 34.272′ N, 121° 29.748′ W. Marker is in Sacramento, California, in Sacramento County. It is in Southside Park. It is at the intersection of R Street and 11th Street, on the

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right when traveling west on R Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Sacramento CA 95811, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Sacramento Valley

and specifically in the Central Valley.

It is also on the American Pacific Coast.

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: City's First Southern Flood Levee (a few steps from this marker); Historic Businesses 10th to 11th Streets, North (a few steps from this marker); Historic Businesses 11th to 12th Street, South (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Western Pacific Railroad (about 400 feet away); St. Elizabeth Portuguese National Church (about 600 feet away); Historic Businesses 12th to 13th Street, North (about 700 feet away); Historic Businesses 12th to 13th Streets, South (approx. 0.2 miles away); Fremont Cash Grocery

Theodore Judah Marker - wide view image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, January 23, 2020

2. Theodore Judah Marker - wide view

The marker is visible here in the left foreground, embedded in the sidewalk.

(approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Sacramento.

Also see . . . Theodore Judah (Wikipedia). "Theodore Dehone Judah (March 4, 1826 – November 2, 1863) was an American railroad and civil engineer who was a central figure in the original promotion, establishment, and design of the First Transcontinental Railroad. He found investors for what became the Central Pacific Railroad (CPRR). As chief engineer, he performed much of the land survey work to determine the best route for the railroad over the Sierra Nevada mountains, which was completed six years after his death." (Submitted on January 23, 2020.)

Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on January 23, 2020, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 909 times since then and 58 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on January 23, 2020, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California.