Independence in Inyo County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Engine #18
Slim Princess
Photographed by Craig Baker, April 28, 2023
1. Engine #18 Marker
Originally known as the Carson & Colorado Railroad, the line was completed to Keeler, CA in 1883. The railroad had a profound affect on the economy of the Owens Valley. The hauling of ore and agriculture products, which took 10 days by mule teams, now could get to the markets of western Nevada in one day. The economy of the Eastern Sierra boomed, population grew and agricultural production rivaled the San Joaquin Valley.
Unfortunately, this prosperity was short lived due to failing mines and a decline in farming because of the diversion of water to Los Angeles. Freight and passenger fares dropped to the point where the railroad was abandoned in 1960.
second panel:
Presented to the people of Inyo County, July 1955, by Southern Pacific Company.
Erected 1999 by Slim Princess Chapter 395 E Clampus Vitus.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Railroads & Streetcars
this page online
Location. 36° 48.059′ N, 118° 12.227′ W. Marker is in Independence, California, in Inyo County. It is at the intersection of Grant Street and Onion Valley Road on Grant Street. Located at the Eastern California Museum. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 155 N Grant St, Independence CA 93526, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in California’s Sierra Nevada. It is also in the American Mountain West. 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 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Hydroelectric Power From Bishop Creek (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Mining in Inyo County (about 500 feet away); Mary Austins Home (about 600 feet away); Edwards House (approx. Ό mile away); Putnams Stone Cabin (approx. Ό mile away); Inyo County Courthouse (approx. 0.3 miles away); Historic Independence (approx. 0.4 miles away); Camp Independence (approx. 2½ miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Independence.
Regarding Engine #18. All narrow-gauge locomotives in Owens Valley were nicknamed Slim Princess. Three locomotives still exist, at museums in Independence, Laws, and Sparks.
Also see . . . Carson and Colorado Railway. Engine #18 restoration and operation. (Submitted on April 29, 2023.)
Photographed by Craig Baker, April 28, 2023
2. Engine #18 Marker
Photographed by Craig Baker, April 28, 2023
3. Engine #18 Marker
Located on the south side of the new barn, facing Onion Valley Road.
Photographed by Craig Baker, April 28, 2023
4. Engine #18 Barn
Windows are for viewing the locomotive, but nothing is visible.
Photographed by Denise Boose, February 11, 2009
5. Engine #18 Marker - Original Location
Photographed by Denise Boose, February 12, 2009
6. Engine #18 and Marker
Original Location in Dehy Park. The marker is at far left.
Photographed by Denise Boose, February 12, 2009
7. Engine #18
Credits. This page was last revised on November 13, 2025. It was originally submitted on January 31, 2012, by Denise Boose of Tehachapi, California. This page has been viewed 1,128 times since then and 31 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on April 28, 2023, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. 5, 6, 7. submitted on January 31, 2012, by Denise Boose of Tehachapi, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.
