Winters in Yolo County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Vaca Valley Railroad
Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, February 26, 2011
1. Vaca Valley Railroad Marker
By 1875 the need to easily move grain, livestock, wood and stone from Berryessa Valley and the surrounding area to markets was recognized. In the spring of 1875 work began on a 13 mile extension of the railroad from Vacaville to Theodore Winters' crossing of Putah Creek. Brothers G.B. and A.B. Stevenson conceived this extension of their railroad as well as plans for the new town of Winters. By May of 1875 a map of townsite had been recorded and construction on both was progressing as fast as possible. The official opening of the new line took place on August 26, 1875. Erected 1993 by E Clampus Vitus, Sam Brannan Chapter 1004.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Railroads & Streetcars • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the E Clampus Vitus series list. A significant historical date for this entry is March 20, 1994.
Location. 38° 31.241′ N, 121° 58.069′ W. Marker is in Winters, California, in Yolo County
Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, February 26, 2011
2. Vaca Valley Railroad Marker - wide view
The marker is mounted on a low rock, just visible here to the left of the path just before what is now called the J. Robert Chapman Memorial Bridge. At this spot in 1875 the Vaca Valley Railroad built a rail and wagon trestle bridge across Putah Creek. That bridge was replaced by the Southern Pacific Railroad in 1906 with a steel Pratt truss bridge. The bridge was renovated in 2006 and adapted for use by pedestrians and cyclists.
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 10 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. J. Robert Chapman Memorial Bridge (here, next to this marker); Hotel De Vilbiss (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Cradwick Building (about 600 feet away); Wolfskill Grant (approx. 1.3 miles away); Halfway House (approx. 7.2 miles away); Village of Silveyville (approx. 7.2 miles away); Sacramento Valley National Cemetery (approx. 9 miles away); The Methodist Church of Dixon (approx. 9.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Winters.
Also see . . . "A Brief History of Winters". The Winters Express' biography of Theodore Winters: "... The town was given the name of Winters after Mr. Winters donated 40 acres of land to the Vacaville and Clear Lake Railroad to start a town. D.P. Edwards also gave the town 40 acres. At the time, in 1875, the railroad was having financial trouble in extending the railroad north to Putah Creek, and Winters, along with others, gave money to the railroad to help pay the cost of putting the bridge across Putah Creek...." A postscript to the article indicates that subsequent research in the county archives indicates that the railroad had paid Winters $5,000 for his land. (Submitted on March 3, 2011.)
Additional commentary.
Photographed By Loren Wilson, February 9, 2008
3. Vaca Valley Railroad Marker
1. Information Regarding the Marker Dedication
Tony Torell was Noble Grand Humbug when this plaque was erected. Plaque wording by Loren A. Wilson. Note To Editor only visible by Contributor and editor
— Submitted April 15, 2012, by Loren Wilson of Sebastopol, California.
Photographed By Loren Wilson, February 9, 2008
4. Detail of rail road bridge.
Credits. This page was last revised on November 15, 2020. It was originally submitted on March 2, 2011, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 794 times since then and 12 times this year. Last updated on April 15, 2012, by Loren Wilson of Sebastopol, California. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 2, 2011, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. 3, 4. submitted on April 15, 2012, by Loren Wilson of Sebastopol, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.
