Martinez in Contra Costa County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Martinez Train Depot

Dedicated September 22, 2001

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, March 31, 2016

1. Martinez Train Depot Marker

Inscription. The City of Martinez has been the home of a train station along the waterfront for 125 years. The first station (approximately 200 yards to the east of this site) was erected in 1876 and closed in 2001 when this station was opened.

More than 1,000 Chinese laborers, who once lived in a tent city near this spot blasted hillsides, built tunnels and bridges, eventually connecting this line with the Oakland Ferry Wharf in 1878.

Erected 2001 by E Clampus Vitus, Joaquin Murrieta Chapter No. 13. This plaque was made possible with input from the Martinez Historical Society and cooperation of Mayor Michael M. Menesini.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Asian Americans • Railroads & Streetcars. In addition, it is included in the E Clampus Vitus series list.

Location. 38° 1.128′ N, 122° 8.332′ W. Marker is in Martinez, California, in Contra Costa County. It can be reached from Marina Vista Avenue near Castro Street, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 601 Marina Vista Avenue, Martinez CA 94553, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in California’s San Francisco Bay Area

and on the Coast Ranges.

It is also on the American Pacific Coast.

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: September 11, 2001 Memorial (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); 410 Alhambra

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(about 400 feet away); 424 Alhambra (about 500 feet away); Pony Express Ferry "Carquinez" (about 500 feet away); 502 Alhambra (about 500 feet away); Martinez Troops-In-Transit Canteen (about 600 feet away); Original Costanza Macaroni Factory (about 600 feet away); 516 Alhambra (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Martinez.

More about this marker. This marker is in the Amtrak parking lot.

Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. The original Southern Pacific Railroad Station

Additional commentary.
1. Presidential Campaign Stop at this Depot.
Dwight D. Eisenhower during his Presidential campaign of 1952, made a speech-from-the-back-of-the train campaign stop here at this depot. High school students from Alhambra Unified High School were let out to see Ike. —Harry Thompson, AUHS Class of '54. Note To Editor only visible by Contributor and editor

— Submitted
Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, March 31, 2016

2. Martinez Train Depot Marker
Martinez Amtrak Station in the background.
April 19, 2025.

The original Martinez Train Depot image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Robert A. Campbell, 1953

3. The original Martinez Train Depot

Credits. This page was last revised on April 19, 2025. It was originally submitted on April 2, 2016, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 1,516 times since then and 93 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on April 2, 2016, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.