Alameda in Alameda County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Alameda Terminal of the First Transcontinental Railroad
Photographed by Syd Whittle, March 14, 2010
1. First Transcontinental Railroad Marker
This plaque marks the terminus of the first transcontinental passenger train that started in New York City and terminated at Alameda Point Pier on September 6, 1869.
Erected by the U.S. Naval Air Station, Alameda in cooperation with the Alameda Historical Society.
Dedicated Aug. 22, 1953. Wm G. Huff
Ceremonies commemorating the 100th Anniversary of this historical event were held at this site Sept. 6, 1969.
Jointly sponsored by:
Alameda Naval Air Station Civilian Employees Assn. Alameda Chamber of Commerce Native Sons of the Golden West
This railroad historic marker sponsored by the Naval Air Station Association, Alameda, California 1952.
Erected 1953 by US Naval Air Station, Alameda and the Alameda Historical Society. (Marker Number 440.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Landmarks • Notable Places • Railroads & Streetcars. In addition,
this page online
Location. 37° 47.207′ N, 122° 18.175′ W. Marker is in Alameda, California, in Alameda County. It is on West Mall Square, on the right when traveling north. The marker is located between Lexington and Saratoga Streets at the entrance to the Naval Air Station Mall. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Alameda CA 94501, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in California’s San 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 Mexicos Alta California.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Pan Am China Clipper (a few steps from this marker); Grumman F6F Hellcat (approx. half a mile away); Vought A-7A Corvair II (approx. half a mile away); Grumman J2F Duck (approx. half a mile away); Douglas SBD Dauntless (approx. half a mile away); Aircraft Carriers and Seaplane Tenders (approx. 0.7 miles away); Seaplanes and Flying Boats at NAS Alameda (approx. 0.7 miles away); Seaplane Lagoon (approx. 0.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Alameda.
Regarding Alameda Terminal of the First Transcontinental Railroad.
Photographed by Syd Whittle, March 14, 2010
2. First Transcontinental Railroad Marker
Statement of Significance:
With the Pacific Railroad Act of 1862 authorizing construction of a railroad and telegraph line, the first concentration of activity was east of Sacramento. Subsequently the line was opened from Sacramento to San Jose. During June 1869 construction was started near Niles, and by August a temporary connection had been made at San Leandro with the San Francisco and Alameda Railroad. On September 6, 1869, the first Central Pacific train reached San Francisco Bay at Alameda.
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. Follow the route of the 1st Transcontinental Railroad westward bound from Sacramento.
Also see . . .
1. Alameda Terminal of the First Transcontinental Railroad. An additional marker located in Alameda: "On September 6, 1869 first transcontinental railroad train linking two great oceans, and consisting of twelve cars and three locomotives passed here on way to a wharf terminal west of here, a location now covered by lagoon for take-off trans-pacific planes, and within confines, present U.S. Naval Air Station. Original celebration held near this spot." (Submitted on March 16, 2010.)
2. Listings of the Overland Route
Photographed by Syd Whittle, March 14, 2010
3. Upper Marker
Photographed by Syd Whittle, March 14, 2010
4. Lower Marker
Photographed by Mathew H. Kohnen, circa December 1, 2014
5. First Transcontinental Railroad Marker
This California Historical Landmark plaque is at Lincoln Avenue and Webster Street in Alameda.
Photographed by Syd Whittle, March 14, 2010
6. First Transcontinental Railroad Marker
Photographed by Syd Whittle
7. Entrance to the Naval Air Station Mall
The nearby Pan Am China Clipper marker is located on the right. The 1st Transcontinental Railroad marker is located on the left.
Photographed by Lawrence & Houseworth, Publisher
8. Alameda Terminus of the 1st Transcontinental Railroad
Depot was located at the foot of Pacific Street.
Photo courtesy of the Online Archive of California and the Oakland Public Library.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 1, 2026. It was originally submitted on March 16, 2010, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. This page has been viewed 8,488 times since then and 115 times this year. Last updated on June 6, 2020, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on March 16, 2010, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. 5. submitted on December 2, 2014, by Mathew H. Kohnen of San Jose, California. 6. submitted on March 16, 2010, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. 7. submitted on March 15, 2010, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. 8. submitted on March 16, 2010. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
