Tehama in Tehama County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
The Tehama Railroad Bridge
Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 24, 2015
1. The Tehama Railroad Bridge Marker
This turnstyle bridge served the California & Oregon Railroad Co. It was surveyed in September 1870 and was completed in August 1871. The bridge was first crossed by the steam locomotive "Falcon" and by the "Clipper" the following day with one passenger and a baggage car.
This bridge was originally board planked to also allow use by teamster wagons. The coming of the railroad and the building of this bridge caused a sharp decline in the riverboat trade on the Sacramento (River) resulting in hostilities between the railroad and riverboat companies.
The hostilities further heated when in 1892 the "Jacinto" found the new rails spiked to prevent the bridge from opening to allow passage. A representative of the steamboat company quickly resolved the problem when he informed the railroad to make the bridge operable so that dynamite wouldn't have to be used to do so. In less than 3 hours the "Jacinto" triumphantly steamed through.
Erected 2003 by E Clampus Vitus Lassen-Loomis Outpost #1914 & Trinitarianus Chapter #62.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Bridges & Viaducts • Railroads & Streetcars. In addition, it is included in the E Clampus Vitus series list. A significant historical month for this entry is August 1871.
Location.
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in California’s Sacramento Valley, specifically in the Central Valley, in the Shasta Cascade, and on the Coast Ranges. It is also on the American Pacific Coast. Globally, it is in North America, in the Cascade Range, 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 8 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: First Seat of Tehama County Government (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Tehama County Museum Foundation (about 600 feet away); Old Tehama County Jail (about 700 feet away); Western Star Lodge No. 2 Free and Accepted Masons (approx. 6.6 miles away); Lassen Trail - Lassen Rancho Site (approx. 7.3 miles away); The Hotel Maywood (approx. 7.6 miles away); Maywood Woman's Clubhouse (approx. 7.6 miles away); Miners Inn (approx. 7.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Tehama.
More about this marker. This marker is located in a field (park?) between the railroad and C Street on the west side of the Sacramento River.
Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 24, 2015
2. The Tehama Railroad Bridge Marker
The marker is on the monument to the left, a dedication plaque is on the right. The railroad bridge is in the background.
Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 24, 2015
3. Dedication plaque
Board of Supervisors
H.C. Kauffman - Chairman
Geo. W. Vestal Andrew Schafer Perry E. Lee W.H. Samson
W.F. Lining - Engineer
Pacific Construction Co., Contractors
Commemorating the Original
Tehama Bridge
1911 - 1977
Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 24, 2015
4. The current Tehama Railroad Bridge
Credits. This page was last revised on April 17, 2026. It was originally submitted on September 29, 2015, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 1,142 times since then and 59 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on September 29, 2015, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.
