The History of the Railroad in Folosom

 


Hi there, fellow train enthusiasts! Today I want to share with you some fascinating facts about the history of trains in Folsom, CA. Folsom is a city that has a rich and diverse heritage, and trains played a big role in its development and growth. Let's take a look at some of the milestones and achievements that make Folsom a train lover's paradise.

Folsom was named after Captain Joseph Libbey Folsom, who was a West Point graduate and a quartermaster in San Francisco. He bought a large estate east of John Sutter's land grant, which included the site of Granite City, a mining town. He hired Theodore Judah, a railway engineer and surveyor, to lay out a new town that he called Folsom. Judah was also hired by Charles Lincoln Wilson, who owned a steamship company, a toll road, and bridges, to design and build the Sacramento Valley Railroad, the first passenger railroad in California.

The Sacramento Valley Railroad ran from Sacramento to Folsom, a distance of 22 miles. It made its first official run on February 22, 1856, carrying passengers and supplies to the gold miners in the Sierra Nevada. The railroad also helped transport granite from Folsom's quarries to build the state capitol and other buildings in Sacramento. The railroad was a huge success and boosted Folsom's economy and population.

The railroad also made Folsom the site of another historic achievement: the world's first long-distance transmission of electricity. In 1895, the Folsom Powerhouse used water from the American River to generate electricity that was sent over 22 miles of wires to Sacramento. The power plant supplied street lights, homes, businesses, and even electric streetcars with clean and cheap energy. The Folsom Powerhouse is now a state historic park that you can visit and learn more about this amazing feat of engineering.

Folsom's railroad history continued into the 20th century with the construction of Folsom Dam in 1955. The dam created Folsom Lake, which provided flood protection, hydroelectric power, and recreation for the region. The dam also required the relocation of some of the railroad tracks and facilities, including the turntable that was used to rotate locomotives. The turntable was originally built in 1867 on an 'A' frame or 'gallows' type structure. It was reconstructed on its original pivot stone and is now part of the Folsom Railroad Museum.

The Folsom Railroad Museum is a must-see for any train fan. It is located next to the Folsom train depot on the railroad block in Folsom's Historic District. The museum features a Santa Fe passenger car that serves as an office, exhibition area, library, and store. You can see railroad artifacts, photographs, drawings, maps, and memorabilia from different eras of Folsom's railroading history. You can also walk around the turntable and see other historic locomotives and cars on display.

Folsom is a city that has a lot to offer for anyone who loves trains and history. It has preserved and celebrated its railroad heritage with pride and passion. If you ever get a chance to visit Folsom, CA, don't miss the opportunity to explore its amazing train history. You won't regret it!

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