Chowchilla in Madera County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Railroads of Chowchilla
Southern Pacific Railroad
— Chowchilla Pacific Railroad —
Photographed By Lester J Letson, July 8, 2007
1. Railroads of Chowchilla Marker
Southern Pacific Railroad - Before the townsite was created the train stopped at Minturn. Chowchilla was known as McNears Crossing. After it was founded the company moved the train station to a site just south of Robertson Blvd. Twenty passenger trains passed this station daily. When shipping by train was no longer practiced, the station was moved to its present location where it is used as the VFW Hall Post 9896.
Chowchilla Pacific Railroad - The thirteen mile Chowchilla Pacific Railroad was built by O A Robertson in 1913 and served the area for 40 years. Household belongings, farm stock and children were its primary cargo. The Hall Scott Coach, also knows as the Chowchilla Terrific, had a six cylinder 150 horsepower engine and weighed 76,000 pounds. Had the railroad been in operation today it would be considered one of the shortest operating lines in the nation.
Erected 2003 by E Clampus Vitus, Grub Gulch Chapter 41-49.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Railroads & Streetcars. In addition, it is included in the E Clampus Vitus, and the Southern Pacific Railroad series lists.
Location. 37° 7.166′ N, 120° 15.65′ W. Marker is
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 16 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. A different marker also named Railroads of Chowchilla (within shouting distance of this marker); Chowchilla Union High School (approx. ¼ mile away); Mammoth Orange (approx. 5½ miles away); Dairyland School (approx. 7½ miles away); Dixieland School (approx. 7.7 miles away); Berenda (approx. 8.2 miles away); Madera to Yosemite Stage Route (approx. 15.6 miles away); Madera County Library Service (approx. 15.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Chowchilla.
More about this marker. The marker sits on top of a simulated railroad spur using actual vintage rails.
Additional commentary.
1. Marker Destroyed
This marker was completely destroyed in a vehicle accident in the spring of 2021. It has been replaced by a different maker. [See Nearby Marker]
— Submitted May 4, 2022, by 
Joseph Alvarado of Livermore, California.
Photographed By Joseph Alvarado, May 3, 2022
2. Replacement Marker
[ See Nearby Marker ] .
Photographed By Lester J Letson, July 8, 2007
3. Railroads of Chowchilla Marker
A simulated railroad bed sits beneath the marker. A local historian and a group of history buffs stand behind the marker in this photo.
Credits. This page was last revised on March 10, 2024. It was originally submitted on December 25, 2012, by Lester J Letson of Fresno, California. This page has been viewed 708 times since then and 30 times this year. Last updated on March 9, 2024, by Lester J Letson of Fresno, California. Photos: 1. submitted on December 25, 2012, by Lester J Letson of Fresno, California. 2. submitted on June 18, 2022, by Joseph Alvarado of Livermore, California. 3. submitted on December 25, 2012, by Lester J Letson of Fresno, California. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
