Near Winton in Merced County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
The Montpelier-Oakdale Railroad
1890 to 1942
Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, May 18, 2014
1. The Montpelier-Oakdale Railroad Marker
This important Southern Pacific Route was called by many names, also including, "The Stockton-Tulare Railroad", "The Oakdale Line", "The Oakdale-Montpelier Railroad", and "The Eastside Route". There were North and South bound trains daily. Passengers, wheat, cattle, equipment, and new settlers were its daily cargo.
From the North the train would depart Stockton. Stopping at Peters, Oakdale, Waterford, Hickman, Montpelier, Ryre, Basel (Merced River), Arundel, Amsterdam, Nairn, Ferrin, and into Merced. From Merced the reverse would be true. Merced residents would ride the train into Basel to enjoy the recreation of the Merced River. The "Shaffer Bridge" was built in 1912, twenty two years after the train's trestle was erected. The route was discontinued because of the demands of World War II.
Clamper Year 6000
Russ Potts
Noble Grand Humbug
Estanislao Chapter No. 58
E Clampus Vitus
Erected 1995 by E Clampus Vitus Estanislao Chapter No. 58.
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 date for this entry is April 15, 1995.
Location. 37°
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 13 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Castle Air Force Base (approx. 6.9 miles away); A Comrade’s Tribute to Brig. Gen. Frederick W. Castle A.A.F. (approx. 6.9 miles away); Castle Memorial Parade Ground (approx. 6.9 miles away); First Court House in Merced County (approx. 10½ miles away); Roberts Ferry History Walk (approx. 12.2 miles away); Roberts Ferry (approx. 12.4 miles away); Merced County Courthouse (approx. 12.8 miles away); Merced County Veterans Memorial (approx. 12.8 miles away).
Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, May 18, 2014
2. The Montpelier-Oakdale Railroad Marker - Wide View
Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, May 18, 2014
3. The Schaffer Bridge (1912)
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on December 27, 2015, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 764 times since then and 55 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on December 27, 2015, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California.
