Santa Fe Railway Passenger and Freight Depot
a.k.a. Fullerton Amtrak Station
140 E. Santa Fe Ave., Fullerton, CA Local significance of the building:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1992.
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.
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.
During the Mexican period in the early 19th century, the land that now makes up Orange County was granted as ranchos to prominent Mexican families. Rancho Santiago de Santa Ana, established in 1810, covered much of present-day northern Orange County and was known for its cattle and agriculture. With the American takeover of California in 1848, the area transformed once again.
The mid-19th century brought significant changes to Orange County, when waves of settlers arrived during the California Gold Rush and following the completion of the transcontinental railroad. Agricultural development boomed, with citrus groves, especially orange orchards, becoming a prominent industry. This led to the area becoming known as Orange County. Irrigation and transportation infrastructure, such as railroads and the Santa Ana River, fueled further growth and expansion.
Orange County experienced tremendous growth throughout the 20th century, fueled by its favorable climate, beautiful beaches, and proximity to Los Angeles. The area saw rapid suburbanization, the creation of new cities, and the development of iconic landmarks such as Disneyland, which opened in 1955. Today, Orange County is a vibrant and diverse region known for its thriving economy, picturesque coastal communities, and world-renowned attractions. It continues to attract residents and tourists seeking the California dream.
Orange County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Orange County, California.
- 1889 - Orange County is officially established, separating from Los Angeles County.
- 1901 - Oil fields are discovered in the northern part of the county, leading to a boom in oil production.
- 1920s - The county experiences significant growth, with the development of agriculture and the expansion of the citrus industry.
- 1942 - During World War II, the U.S. military establishes various bases and facilities in Orange County.
- 1955 - Disneyland, the iconic theme park, opens in Anaheim, becoming a major attraction and driving tourism in the region.
- 1967 - The city of Irvine is founded and quickly grows into a major planned community.
- 1970s-1980s - Orange County becomes known as a center for technology and innovation, with the growth of the aerospace, electronics, and computer industries.
- 1994 - The county faces a financial crisis, becoming the largest municipality in U.S. history to file for bankruptcy.
- 2007 - The Great Park in Irvine, a redevelopment project on the site of the former El Toro Marine Corps Air Station, begins development.
- 2018 - Orange County becomes the third most populous county in California.