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The History Of Trains And Railroads In San Diego

admin — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Railroads have a special place in the history of San Diego; The California Southern railway was organized in 1880. From 1880 to 1891 the California Southern ran from National City down through San Bernardino. In 1887 the Central California began running, it ran from Santa Fe to Escondido and in 1888 the Santa Fe began running a line through Ocean Side to Orange County which provided a link between Los Angeles and San Diego. It is still used today to connect both L.A. and San Diego.

The San Diego railway was a short line American railway that was founded by John D. Spreckles. The railway faced so many challenges, especially with logistics that it was given the nick-name the “Impossible Railroad”. Construction on the railway began in December 1906 and was completed in November 1919; the railway faced many delays including natural disaster.

The history of the railway system is something that is alive and well in the San Diego area, San Diego is proud of its contributions to the railway system, and even though it is not used as often as it was in the past; there is no denying that the railway system paved the way for transportation that we use so often today.

San Diego Streetcar Dream Closer To Reality Because Of Market Street Railway

admin — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0000

While for many people, the terms “Streetcar” and “Railcar” conjure pleasant images of a quaint history filled with men in top-hats and women in hoop-skirts, for residents of San Diego, these words mean so much more. Streetcars are very much alive in San Diego, and are a moving piece of history. Streetcars, or as they are more commonly called, Trolleys, still service residents of San Diego, as well as the many tourists.

While mainly a tourist attraction, Trolleys are quickly becoming a popular mode of transportation for many San Diego citizens, rather than taxis, buses, or even cars. The Market Street Railway is quickly becoming one of the leading companies in bringing back this important part of history. From San Diego all the way to San Francisco, Streetcars are making a comeback, and San Diego residents love it!

Trolleys, Streetcars, and Cable cars were the vehicles of choice in the late twenties and early thirties, until the automobile started gaining popularity. Streetcars were cast to the wayside, left in the dust by the increasingly celebrated motorcar. These tracks and stations were salvaged somehow and while many stations are now museums, restaurants and gift shops, some are still in use today.The hits keep comin’: The return of streetcars to San Diego….more to come.

Double-Decker San Diego Electric Railway At 5th & Market

admin — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0000

We’ve definitely come a long way since horse drawn streetcars… Imagine San Diego with horse-drawn streetcars now…with all the hustle and bustle of this city, there really wouldn’t be much room on the road for any other travelers. Heaven forbid your horse-drawn guide spots some hay…say hello to a detour!

Ingenuity prevailed when the double-decker streetcar came on the scene. Not only is this not horse drawn and relies on electricity instead (thank you Edison for that lovely tidbit of science), but it allowed for more passengers to hop on and enjoy the ride through San Diego.

We can vaguely say that this mode of transportation has brought some inspiration to other more contemporary transportation methods. Just think of the double-decker buses of jolly ol’ England and the tour buses we all may have seen in New York or Los Angeles. These modern day vehicles are usually used for tourism, which is a whole other market in itself.

No matter what method of transportation you prefer, or if you like horses or not, we can think back in nostalgia about the double-decker San Diego Electric Railway at 5th & Market and appreciate it’s invention. That really was one sweet ride!

Train Sights in San Diego

admin — Sat, 15 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +0000

If you’re planning on heading to San Diego to check out all the railroad history we’ve got a better idea than scanning the travel channels on your TV (your husband’s watching Direct tv nfl this time of year anyway!) Check out our list of the best train sights in San Diego before you leave on your trip:
Balboa Park: It’s one of the best places in the city for kids and it’s a hoot for adults, too! There’s a mile miniature railroad that’s open during warm weather and is none too expensive for the wallet, too.
San Diego Model Railroad Museum: If you want to see how trains really work, head to one of the largest model railroad museums in the country to see a full-scale train model that’s in working order, complete with buildings and natural features to boot!
Freight Train Yards: Sure, there are other train museums in San Diego but if you really want to see the big machines in action you’ve got to head down to the train yards. Keep the kids at a safe distance and don’t get in the way of the work, though.

The Railroad Stations Of San Diego County: San Diego History Center

admin — Tue, 19 Jul 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Living in American one thing everyone knows is how vital railroads have been to the expansion and evolution our great nation. With over ten millions miles of railroad tracks in the United States alone, we truly are a railroad history mecca.

Above all, there is one area that boast railroad station history like none other. The great city of San Diego is a history center for railroad stations. With over five dozen stations in Sand Diego alone it truly is a history rich area.

Used early on for transportation of goods from one coast to the other San Diego’s stations soon began to expand. Soon after with the gold rush taking home and the needs for transportation increasing San Digo railroad stations exploded into action. With the grow economy of San Diego the stations grew as well. Before you knew it San Diego had more station than even New York City at the turn of the century. With a rich and deeply integrated history, it is no wonder San Diego is so well know for its railroads and stations.

Although San Diego is home to many note worth attractions and history rich land marks. It will always be know as the railroad station capital of the early 20′th century.

San Diego And Arizona Railway: Fascinating Facts

admin — Sun, 17 Jul 2011 00:00:00 +0000

The San Diego and Arizona Railway is an American railroad founded by John D. Spreckels. Due to the incredibly difficult tactical and logistical architectural challenges involved, the railroad was consequently nicknamed “The Impossible Railroad”. The construction of the railroad was not particularly accepted by everyone, even nature. Construction of the railroad saw attacks from Mexican revolutionaries on construction crews and floods washed out several rail lines. The 148 mile long railroad was constructed in order to provide a direct link to the Southern Pacific Railroad. The railway was eventually sold by Spreckels to The Southern Pacific railroad, though.
The San Diego and Arizona Railway offers many interesting discussion points and facts. An incredible 50 miles of the railroad runs through the tiny Mexican peninsula of Baja California. One of the trestles located on the railway, The Goat Canyon Trestle, is the longest wooden trestle ever constructed. This trestle is only one of many located on the railway, however. The railway goes through 21 magnificent tunnels over an incredible 14 trestles in just a mere 11 mile stretch of the railroad. Unfortunately, in 1976, terrible luck struck the architectural masterpiece. A devastating hurricane, Hurricane Kathleen, obliterated major portions of the railway.

All About The San Diego Electric Museum And Depot: Virtual Tour Guide

admin — Wed, 13 Jul 2011 00:00:00 +0000

With assistance from the San Diego Electric Railway Association, the San Diego Electric Railway Museum is dedicated to education about and furtherance of the history of San Diego’s electric railway system which served as the main mode of transportation along its 165 miles of track and dedicated to meeting the needs of riders from the late 1800s to 1949.

Around 1887, San Diego became the first location on America’s west coast to operate an electric trolley car system. The other trolley railway system in the country during this time period was in Boston, Massachusetts.

The San Diego Electric Railway Museum is housed in the restored National City Depot. As an example of Italian architecture dating back to 1882, this building has been meticulously restored with great care being taken to preserve its wooden exterior and fine wooden interior accoutrements.

Among the highlights for visitors is the 3-track model train exhibit complete with realistic sounds and operational features. Guests are invited to man some of the operating switches along the layout. In the Rolling Stock Car exhibit area, full-size , antique electric railway cars from Bellingham, Washington and post-World War II Vienna, Austria provide a thrill for electric railway history buffs.

San Diego’s Cable Railway At The San Diego History Center

admin — Sun, 10 Jul 2011 00:00:00 +0000

San Diego had to fight to receive its first rail terminal and was finally able to accomplish this goal in 1870. Frank Kimball was the leader behind this movement and construction was begun in July of 1881. It was close to completion in September of 1882, but the “Big Four” railroad financiers, Charles Crocker, Collis Huntington, Mark Hopkins and Leland Stanford, prevented the line from joining the Southern Pacific Line.

San Diego wasn’t deterred and ran their line locally to Colton. However, several years later on November 26, 1885, the first transcontinental train was allowed to arrive in San Diego. This caused the city to grow and five independent railroad companies began to service the area.

Trolleys were put into heavy use for public transportation and rail travel thrived in the 1920s and 30s. However, when the automobile became affordable for everyday Americans, Trolleys fell out of favor and tracks were removed.

Railroads today are mainly used for freight travel and passenger lines such as Amtrak continue to bring travelers into the city. San Diego will never again have a need for the extensive rail lines utilized in the 1900s but, a revival for rail travel is in effect and many passengers still enjoy its benefits.