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

Sierra Railway Shops

Photographed by James King, June 27, 2015

1. Sierra Railway Shops Marker

Inscription. Between 1897 and 1955 this shops complex, including freight house, roundhouse, turntable and car shops, was Sierra Railway's main locomotive and car maintenance facility. Sierra served the hardrock mining and lumbering industries, and assisted construction of regional dams and reservoirs. Sierra also became California's best known movie railroad, decorating Sierra locomotives and cars to play many roles in movies and television.

Erected 2015 by The Native Sons of the Golden West HPF and California State Parks. (Marker Number 1053.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Entertainment • Railroads & Streetcars. In addition, it is included in the California Historical Landmarks, and the Native Sons/Daughters of the Golden West series lists.

Location. 37° 57.076′ N, 120° 25.098′ W. Marker is in Jamestown, California, in Tuolumne County. It is at the intersection of Sierra Avenue and 9th Street, on the left when traveling south on Sierra Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Jamestown CA 95327, 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 Mexico’s Alta California.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: “Railtown 1897” (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Sierra Railroad (about

Paid Advertisement

Click or scan to see
this page online

500 feet away); Jamestown United Methodist Church (approx. ¼ mile away); St. James Church (approx. ¼ mile away); National Hotel (approx. ¼ mile away); Ramirez – Preston Building (approx. 0.3 miles away); Jamestown Hotel (approx. 0.3 miles away); Jamestown (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Jamestown.

Also see . . .
1. Railtown 1897 State Historic Park. (Submitted on March 5, 2016, by James King of San Miguel, California.)
2. Shortlines - Sierra Railway. ...one of the worlds great model railroads. (Submitted on March 5, 2016, by James King of San Miguel, California.)

3. Not Lookin' Too Great in '64. (Submitted on March 5, 2016, by James King of San Miguel, California.)

Sierra Railway Shops Monument image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James King, June 27, 2015

2. Sierra Railway Shops Monument

Freight house in the background.

Sierra Railway Roundhouse and Rolling Stock image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James King, June 27, 2015

3. Sierra Railway Roundhouse and Rolling Stock

Photographed by James King, June 27, 2015

4. Old #3

Plaque Dedication image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James King, June 27, 2015

5. Plaque Dedication

Dedication team members (left to right):
Jerry Stinson, Georgetown Parlor #91, Grand Outside Sentinel
Dean Zellers, Sonoma Parlor #111, Grand President
Barney Noel, Placerville Parlor #9, Past Grand President
David Allen, Auburn Parlor #59, Past Grand President
Erik Christeson, Excelsior Parlor #31, Grand 2nd VP

Sierra Railway Map image. Click for full size.

6. Sierra Railway Map

Credits. This page was last revised on April 17, 2025. It was originally submitted on March 5, 2016, by James King of San Miguel, California. This page has been viewed 800 times since then and 26 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on March 5, 2016, by James King of San Miguel, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.