Nevada City in Nevada County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Nevada County Traction Company

1901 - 1924

Photographed By Syd Whittle, February 13, 2011

1. Nevada County Traction Company Marker

Inscription. Four 28 ton standard gauge street cars ran from this spot five miles to Boston Ravine south of Grass Valley. Car barns and power plant located at Glenbrook mid-way. Line was victim of motor cars and busses.

Erected 1971 by Wm. Bull Meek – Wm. Morris Stewart Chapter 10, E Clampus Vitus.

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

Location. 39° 15.763′ N, 121° 1.129′ W. Marker is in Nevada City, California, in Nevada County. Marker is on Broad Street near North Pine Street, on the right when traveling west. The building is located on the southwest corner of the intersection. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Nevada City CA 95959, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Kidd & Knox Building (a few steps from this marker); The Flagg Building (within shouting distance of this marker); North Pine & Commercial (within shouting distance of this marker); Masonry in the Gold County (within shouting distance of this marker); 400 Broad Street (within shouting distance of this marker); National Exchange Hotel

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(within shouting distance of this marker); The National Hotel (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Powell Home (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Nevada City.

Regarding Nevada County Traction Company. The Nevada County Traction Company was organized by John Martin in 1901. Construction began on June 1, 1901 and the initial 70 pound rails were in place within three weeks. A power generating plant and 3-stall car barn was built in Glenbrook, the mid-point of the line. Completed in October, 1901, the route went from Boston Ravine, up Mill Street, to East Main Street in Grass Valley; then over Spring Hill to Glenbrook, on to Sacramento Street, turning left and ending on Broad Street in Nevada City. The total cost for five miles of track, four cars, a service car and the power plant-car barn was $217,000. The fare for one way was a nickle.

Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. A marker at the other end of the street-car line in Grass Valley.

Photographed By Syd Whittle, February 13, 2011

2. Nevada County Traction Company Marker

Marker is mounted at the right corner of the building.

Nevada County Traction Company image. Click for full size.

Ken Kidder Collection, circa 1910's

3. Nevada County Traction Company

The NCT car barn at Glenbrook. This was half-way between Nevada City and Grass Valley. The power generators were located in the rear portion of the building.

The Nevada County Traction Rail Line image. Click for full size.

Ken Kidder Collection, circa 1918

4. The Nevada County Traction Rail Line

The NCT shares the road on Mill Street in Grass Valley with horse & buggies and autocars.

Credits. This page was last revised on October 21, 2020. It was originally submitted on February 14, 2011, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. This page has been viewed 1,181 times since then and 57 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 14, 2011, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. 3, 4. submitted on March 3, 2011.