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

The Southern Pacific RR Roundhouse

Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, March 2, 2019

1. The Southern Pacific RR Roundhouse Marker

Inscription. This property was the site for two locomotive roundhouses constructed by the Southern Pacific Railroad. The first stood between 1911 and 1925, when the June 25, 1929, earthquake severely damaged it. Miss Pearl Chase, of the Plans and Planting Committee, Community Arts Association, convinced the railroad to design the new building in the Spanish style for which Santa Barbara was becoming famous. The beautiful result resembled the bullring in Seville, Spain.

From 1926 to 1961 the roundhouse and engine turntable serviced the Southern Pacific's steam locomotives; by 1961 the Coast Route had converted to diesel power. The structure was then remodeled for warehouse use and the turntable was removed. In September, 1982, the roundhouse was demolished to make way for a resort hotel. The hotel's ground floor plaza symbolizes the historic roundhouse.

Erected 1998 by Native Sons of the Golden West Santa Barbara Parlor No. 116.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Railroads & Streetcars. In addition, it is included in the Native Sons/Daughters of the Golden West, and the Southern Pacific Railroad series lists. A significant historical date for this entry is June 25, 1929.

Location. 34° 25.005′ N, 119° 40.569′ W. Marker is in Santa

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Barbara, California, in Santa Barbara County. Marker can be reached from East Cabrillo Boulevard west of South Milpa Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 633 East Cabrillo Boulevard, Santa Barbara CA 93103, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. "St. Barbara" (approx. ¾ mile away); Stearns Wharf (approx. ¾ mile away); Historic Capstan (approx. ¾ mile away); Richard Henry Dana, Jr. (approx. ¾ mile away); Stearns Wharf Fire (approx. ¾ mile away); Fly To-Day (approx. 0.9 miles away); Santa Barbara's First People (approx. 0.9 miles away); Burton’s Mound (approx. 0.9 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Santa Barbara.

More about this marker. The marker is located to the right of the doorway (west entrance) of the Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort, mounted on the exterior wall, and best seen with one's back to the entrance (i.e. looking out into the courtyard).

This hotel was built in 1986 by actor Fess Parker, who starred in the popular television show Davey Crockett in 1955 and Daniel Boone from 1964 to 1970. He died in 2010, and his name was removed from the hotel after a complete renovation in 2018.

Also see . . . Roundhouse to "Roundhouse" in Santa Barbara (trainorders.com). (Submitted on March 6, 2019.)

The Southern Pacific RR Roundhouse Marker - wide view image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, March 2, 2019

2. The Southern Pacific RR Roundhouse Marker - wide view

Looking across the roundhouse plaza towards the hotel entrance image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, March 2, 2019

3. Looking across the roundhouse plaza towards the hotel entrance

Overhead of roundhouse plaza reminiscent of the roundhouse that looked like the Seville bullring image. Click for full size.

Image courtesy of Google Maps, 2019

4. Overhead of roundhouse plaza reminiscent of the roundhouse that looked like the Seville bullring

Credits. This page was last revised on April 10, 2020. It was originally submitted on March 6, 2019, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 576 times since then and 69 times this year. Last updated on April 10, 2020, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on March 6, 2019, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.