Nevada City in Nevada County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Nevada County Narrow Gauge Railroad
N.C.N.G.R.R.
Photographed By Syd Whittle, February 13, 2011
1. N.C.N.G.R.R. Marker
Nevada County Narrow Gauge Railroad was dedicated May 20, 1876 one hundred feet east of this spot.
Built by John Flint Kidder between 1874-76 it ran 22 miles from Nevada City to Colfax via Grass Valley. Rails taken up in 1942. Sara Kidder, widow of builder, world’s first woman railroad president 1901-13
Erected 1968 by Wm. Bull Meek - Wm. Morris Stewart Chapter No. 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. A significant historical date for this entry is May 20, 1876.
Location. 39° 15.545′ N, 121° 1.069′ W. Marker is in Nevada City, California, in Nevada County. Marker is at the intersection of Washington Street and Railroad Avenue, on the right on Washington Street. Marker is located just off the northbound exit ramp of Highway 49 at the Washington Street off-ramp. 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. Chinese Narrow Gauge Rail Workers (a few steps from this marker); Pine Street Bridge (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); “The Old Brewery” (approx. 0.2 miles away); Ladies of the Evening (approx.
this page online
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. Click on “Click to map all markers shown on this page” to view marker placements from Nevada City to Colfax.
Also see . . .
1. Nevada County Narrow Gauge Railroad. Maps of the route and additional information. (Submitted on February 14, 2011.)
2. History of the Nevada County Narrow Gauge Railroad. The company’s first President was John C. Coleman, president of the North Star Mine. Kidder, the builder, decided to settle down in Grass Valley, becoming the General Superintendent, and in 1884, became the second president. Upon his death in 1901, Kidder’s widow, Sarah, took over, becoming the first female railroad president in the world. (Submitted on February 14, 2011.)
October 15, 2023
2. N.C.N.G.R.R. Marker
Photographed By Syd Whittle, February 13, 2011
3. N.C.N.G.R.R. Marker
This is a photo of the marker in its previous environs.
Photographed By Syd Whittle, February 13, 2011
4. N.C.N.G.R.R. Marker
This is a photo of the marker in its previous environs.
Ted Wurm Collection, circa 1890's
5. Bear River Trestle - A Howe Truss Design
South approach was 430 feet long, the central span 150 feet, and the north approach 160 feet for a total of length of 740 feet.
Roy Graves Collection, circa 1890's
6. Bear River Trestle
The trestle was partially destroyed by fire on August 25, 1896. It was rebuilt and then replaced by a steel structure in 1908.
Credits. This page was last revised on January 16, 2024. It was originally submitted on February 14, 2011, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. This page has been viewed 1,573 times since then and 18 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on February 14, 2011, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. 2. submitted on October 17, 2023. 3, 4. submitted on February 14, 2011, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. 5, 6. submitted on March 3, 2011.
