Historical Marker

Santa Fe Railway

Historical marker location:
11952 San Pablo Avenue, El Cerrito, California
( Marker is at the intersection of San Pablo Avenue and Ohio Avenue, on the right when traveling north on San Pablo Avenue.)

  A brief timeline of the history of Santa Fe Railway

  • 1859: The Atchison and Topeka Railroad Company is founded in Kansas, with the goal of connecting the towns of Atchison and Topeka.

  • 1863: The Atchison and Topeka Railroad reaches Santa Fe, New Mexico, completing its initial transcontinental route.

  • 1880: The Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway Company is formed through a merger with the Southern Kansas Railway Company.

  • 1883: The Santa Fe Railway completes its second transcontinental line, reaching Los Angeles, California. This expansion enables the railway to connect the Midwest and Southwest to the Pacific Coast.

  • 1893: The California Limited, a luxury passenger train, begins service on the Santa Fe Railway, offering a high standard of travel for affluent passengers.

  • 1901: The Grand Canyon Railway, a subsidiary of the Santa Fe Railway, is established to provide transportation to the Grand Canyon National Park.

  • 1926: The Santa Fe Railway introduces the Super Chief, a luxurious all-Pullman sleeping car train that becomes known as the "Train of the Stars" due to its popularity among Hollywood celebrities.

  • 1934: The Santa Fe Railway launches the Chief, another premier passenger train, offering a more affordable option than the Super Chief but still maintaining a high level of service.

  • 1948: The Santa Fe Railway introduces the El Capitan, a streamliner passenger train that becomes famous for its distinctive "Warbonnet" red and silver paint scheme.

  • 1967: The Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway changes its official name to the Santa Fe Railway.

  • 1995: The Santa Fe Railway merges with the Burlington Northern Railroad, forming the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Corporation (BNSF). This merger creates one of the largest railroad systems in the United States.

  • 1996: The Santa Fe Railway is officially absorbed into the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway (BNSF), marking the end of the Santa Fe Railway as an independent entity.

Today, the Santa Fe Railway's legacy lives on through the continued operation of many of its routes by BNSF, as well as its historical significance in the development of the American West and its iconic role in passenger train travel.

Audiobooks about the history of California.
The first European to set foot in California was Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo, a Portuguese explorer sailing for the Spanish crown. He arrived in what is now San Diego Bay in 1542 and explored the coast for several months.
California random facts
Contra Costa County, located in Northern California, has a rich and diverse history that dates back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, such as the Miwok and Ohlone people, who thrived off the region's natural resources and lived in harmony with the land. The arrival of Spanish explorers and missionaries in the 18th century marked a significant shift in the region's history.

In 1772, the Spanish established the first European settlement in the area, known as Mission San Francisco de Asís (also called Mission Dolores), which was part of the larger Alta California mission system. The mission's purpose was to convert the indigenous people to Christianity and ensure Spanish control over the region. During this period, Spanish settlers also established ranchos, large land grants that became the foundation of the region's agricultural economy.

The 19th century brought significant changes to Contra Costa County. With the Mexican War of Independence in 1821, Spain's influence in the area waned, and Mexico gained control. During this time, Mexican rancheros maintained control over their land, but American settlers began to arrive in increasing numbers, lured by the promise of fertile land and economic opportunities.

The discovery of gold in nearby Coloma in 1848 triggered the California Gold Rush, drawing countless fortune seekers to the region. This influx of people led to the rapid growth of towns and settlements in Contra Costa County, as well as the construction of transportation infrastructure like railroads and canals. Agriculture, particularly wheat and fruit orchards, grew in prominence, and the region became known for its agricultural output.

In 1850, California officially became a state, and Contra Costa County was established as one of the original 27 counties. Over the years, the county continued to develop and urbanize, with industrialization bringing new opportunities and challenges. Today, Contra Costa County is a thriving and diverse region known for its proximity to the San Francisco Bay Area, beautiful landscapes, and vibrant communities.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Contra Costa County, California.

  • 1772: Spanish explorers first arrive in the area of Contra Costa County.
  • 1821: Mexico gains independence from Spain and the land becomes part of Mexico.
  • 1849: Contra Costa County is formed as one of California's original 27 counties.
  • 1850: Martinez becomes the first county seat.
  • 1855: The county seat is moved to San Ramon.
  • 1857: The county seat is moved again, this time to Martinez permanently.
  • 1868: The Central Pacific Railroad arrives in the county, enhancing transportation and growth.
  • 1928: Construction of the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge begins, connecting Contra Costa County to San Francisco.
  • 1941: The Concord Naval Weapons Station is established, playing a significant role in World War II and the Cold War.
  • 1972: BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) extends into Contra Costa County, providing a new mode of transportation.
  • 1991: The devastating Oakland Hills Fire impacts parts of Contra Costa County.
  • 2002: Contra Costa County celebrates its 150th anniversary.