Patterson in Stanislaus County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Patterson & Western Railroad
Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, April 5, 2009
1. Patterson & Western Railroad Marker
The narrow gauge railroad winding some 25 miles from Patterson through Del Puerto Canyon operated from Sept. 20, 1916 to August 14, 1920. During World War I, the railroad brought the much needed minerals of magnesite, manganese chrome and quicksilver down the rugged canyon to the processing plant. The railroad served dozens of mines. There was a 3,000 foot tramway up to a mine high up on the side of the canyon. The furthermost terminal was the station of Jones, believed to be 3.8 miles west of this monument. After the railroad was abandoned, men on depression relief program and later prisoners from the county road camp labored to build a road to San Antone Valley. Clampers, Bill Logan and Ore Minniear with the help of a bulldozer, were the first to drive from Patterson to San Jose in 1942.Dedicated July 28, 2001
Estanislao Chapter No. 58, E Clampus Vitus
Wes Williams, Head Vigilante
& Patterson Township Historical Society
Erected 2001 by Estanislao Chapter No. 58, E Clampus Vitus.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce
this page online
Location. 37° 25.224′ N, 121° 22.373′ W. Marker is in Patterson, California, in Stanislaus County. Marker can be reached from Del Puerto Canyon Road, 12 miles east of Interstate 5. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Patterson CA 95363, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, April 5, 2009
2. Patterson & Western Railroad Marker - Wide Shot
The marker is adjacent to the parking lot, partially obscured by a low stone wall, on the right side as one enters the parking lot.
Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, April 5, 2009
3. The Marker is located in Frank Raines Regional Park
The marker is located in Frank Raines Park, on the south side of Del Puerto Canyon Road.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on April 15, 2009, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 2,038 times since then and 115 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on April 15, 2009, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.
