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

Inscription. 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 • Railroads & Streetcars.

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In addition, it is included in the E Clampus Vitus series list. A significant historical date for this entry is July 28, 1813.

Location. 37° 25.224′ N, 121° 22.373′ W. Marker is in Patterson, California, in Stanislaus County. It 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.

Regionally, this marker is in the San Joaquin 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,

on 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.

Patterson & Western Railroad Marker - Wide Shot image. Click for full size.

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.

The Marker is located in Frank Raines Regional Park image. Click for full size.

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 2,657 times since then and 85 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.