Southwest Berkeley in Alameda County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Santa Fe Railroad Tracks

Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, March 22, 2021

1. Santa Fe Railroad Tracks Marker

Inscription. From the early 1930's the Santa Fe railroad tracks ran along Sacramento Street in South Berkeley, through the heart of the African-American community. This was unsafe and a barrier to unifying the Berkeley community.

In 1978 Dr. William B. Rumford, Jr., as a member of the Berkeley City Council initiated the negotiation process with Santa Fe that resulted in the removal of the railroad tracks.

Today the statue honoring Wm. Byron Rumford Sr. (Bill Rumford's dad) stands on this hallowed ground

Erected 2020.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Railroads & Streetcars. A significant historical year for this entry is 1978.

Location. 37° 51.236′ N, 122° 16.76′ W. Marker is in Berkeley, California, in Alameda County. It is in Southwest Berkeley. It is at the intersection of Sacramento Street and Ashby Avenue, on the right when traveling south on Sacramento Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 2969 Sacramento Street, Berkeley CA 94702, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in California’s San

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Francisco Bay Area

and on the Coast Ranges.

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: Rumford's Pharmacy (a few steps from this marker); William Byron Rumford (February 2, 1908 - June 12, 1986) (within shouting distance of this marker); Burl Toler, Sr. (within shouting distance of this marker); Exxon Super Service Station (within shouting distance of this marker); Site of Reid's Records (approx. 0.2 miles away); Frances Albrier (approx. ¼ mile away); San Pablo Tennis Club (approx. 0.3 miles away); Longfellow School (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Berkeley.

Santa Fe Railroad Tracks Marker - wide view image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, March 22, 2021

2. Santa Fe Railroad Tracks Marker - wide view

Santa Fe Railroad Tracks Marker - wide view, looking north on Sacramento Street... image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, March 22, 2021

3. Santa Fe Railroad Tracks Marker - wide view, looking north on Sacramento Street...

with the statue of William Rumford, Sr. visible in the median, as noted on the marker.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 22, 2021, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 944 times since then and 65 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on April 22, 2021, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California.