Monterey in Monterey County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Monterey and Salinas Valley Railroad

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, February 12, 2013

1. Monterey and Salinas Valley Railroad Marker

Inscription. Western terminal of the Monterey and Salinas Valley Railroad ending on 1,000 foot pier over Monterey Bay. First in operation October 1874 bringing grain from Salinas Valley to Monterey for ocean shipment to San Francisco.

Officers: Carr S. Abbott, Pres. ; David Jacks, Tres.; John Markeley, Secy.; John F. Kidder, Chief Engr.

Line lasted only five years, dying in 1879

Erected 1976 by E Clampus Vitus, Monterey Viejo Chapter No. 1846.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Railroads & Streetcars. In addition, it is included in the E Clampus Vitus series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1874.

Location. 36° 36.134′ N, 121° 53.483′ W. Marker is in Monterey, California, in Monterey County. It can be reached from Monterey Peninsula Recreational Trail. The Monterey Peninsula Recreation Trail is a foot/bicycle path that parallels the Monterey Bay waterfront. The marker is located in front of the Harbormaster's Office between the Municipal Pier and the Old Fisherman's Pier. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Monterey CA 93940, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally,

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this marker is on the Central Coast

and specifically on the Coast Ranges.

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.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Local Railway Led the Way to America's Salad Bowl. (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Monterey's Historic Railway -- from Passengers to Industry (about 400 feet away); Monterey Harbor (about 500 feet away); Monterey's Commercial Fishing Fleet (about 500 feet away); Monterey Customhouse (about 600 feet away); Custom House (about 600 feet away); a different marker also named The Custom House (about 700 feet away); a different marker also named Custom House (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Monterey.

Another marker is no longer nearby. Custom House (was about 700 feet away but has been replaced with another marker now near it).

Also see . . . The Monterey & Salinas Valley Railroad.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, February 12, 2013

2. Monterey and Salinas Valley Railroad Marker

On October 23, 1874 the first train rolled, and the Monterey & Salinas Valley Railroad become the first narrow gauge to be operated in California. By the end of the year over 6,000 tons of grain had been transported to Monterey; the combined rail and steamship rates were averaging two dollars a ton less than those charged by the Southern Pacific. (Submitted on February 15, 2013, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.)

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on February 15, 2013, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 826 times since then and 44 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 15, 2013, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.