Difference between revisions of "Santa Cruz & Felton Railroad"
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[[Narrow_Gauge_Railroads_of_California|California]] / [[Narrow_Gauge_Railroads_of_California#Common Carrier|Common Carrier]] / [[Santa Cruz & Felton Railroad]] / [[South Pacific Coast Railroad]] | |||
===History=== | ===History=== | ||
By [[User:John Hall|John F. Hall]]<br> | |||
<span style="float:right;margin-left:20px;">__NOTOC__</span> | |||
<span style="width: 20%; border: 1px solid rgb(50, 39, 33); margin: 4px; padding: 2px; background-color: #E9DFD1; font-size:12px; color:black; float:right; display:block;"> | <span style="width: 20%; border: 1px solid rgb(50, 39, 33); margin: 4px; padding: 2px; background-color: #E9DFD1; font-size:12px; color:black; float:right; display:block;"> | ||
<b>Reference Data.</b><br /><br> | <b>Reference Data.</b><br /><br> | ||
| Line 26: | Line 25: | ||
<b>Rail Weight.</b><br> | <b>Rail Weight.</b><br> | ||
22.6 lbs/yd 1874-1877<br /> | 22.6 lbs/yd 1874-1877<br /> | ||
35 lbs/yd 1877-1880<br /><br /> | 35 lbs/yd 1877-1880<br /> | ||
50 lbs/yd 1880-1887<br /><br /> | |||
<b>Average Train Speed.</b><br> | <b>Average Train Speed.</b><br> | ||
Freight: 10 mph<br /> | Freight: 10 mph<br /> | ||
| Line 48: | Line 48: | ||
</span> | </span> | ||
The story of the Santa Cruz | ====The Independent Years 1874-1879==== | ||
<span class="paracap">T</span>'''he''' story of the 36 inch gauge '''Santa Cruz & Felton Railroad''' starts in 1868 with the formation of the San Lorenzo Railroad Company. It was to be a 18 mile long horse railroad up the San Lorenzo River from Santa Cruz to Kings Ranch to move lumber to Santa Cruz. Kings Ranch was located north of Boulder Creek near the intersection of today's Highway 9 and Kings Creek road in Santa Cruz County. Surveying and other work began in May 1868.<ref>''Santa Cruz Sentinel'' May 16, 1868, page 2</ref> Almost immediately Isaac Cowell sued for an injunction to stop construction.<ref>''Daily Alta California'' July 28, 1868, page 2</ref> He was not awarded the injunction but the case continued in the courts for six years. Meanwhile construction and grading of the railroad continued. Then in 1870 with the grading completed to Felton construction ceases probably due to lack of funding and the ongoing lawsuit.<ref>''Santa Cruz Sentinel'' December 24, 1870, page 2</ref> | |||
The exact extent of the grading is not clear however one newspaper report said it was completed to Felton. There is also an intriguing drawing in the Bancroft Library titled On the Grade Near Felton. The drawing is of the area in the vicinity of the Concrete Arch on today's Santa Cruz, Big Trees, and Pacific Railroad. The library has tentatively dated the drawing 1880 but it | The exact extent of the grading is not clear however one newspaper report said it was completed from Santa Cruz to Felton.<ref>''Santa Cruz Sentinel'' December 24, 1870, page 2</ref> There is also an intriguing drawing in the Bancroft Library titled [https://digitalassets.lib.berkeley.edu/calheritage/ucb/honeyman/figures/HN001224aA.jpg On the Grade Near Felton]. The drawing is of the area in the vicinity of the Concrete Arch on today's Santa Cruz, Big Trees, and Pacific Railroad. The library has tentatively dated the drawing 1880 but it probably dates prior to 1875 when track was laid on the grade by the SC&F. | ||
In 1870 the San Lorenzo Valley Railroad is incorporated to construct a railroad between Santa Cruz and Boulder Creek | In 1870 the San Lorenzo Valley Railroad is incorporated to construct a railroad between Santa Cruz and Boulder Creek. Directors included George Treat and Frederick Hihn.<ref>''Santa Cruz Sentinel'' March 11, 1871, page 2</ref> Both later major stock holders in the [[Santa Cruz Railroad]]. In 1871 this company resurveys the old San Lorenzo Railroad grade and determines that a tunnel through the hogback north of the Powder Works would cut a mile off the route.<ref>''Daily Alta California'' April 8, 1871, page 1</ref> Once again the company goes dormant possibly due to the ongoing lawsuit between the San Lorenzo Railroad and Isaac Cowell. | ||
In | In 1874 a new project is proposed to construct a flume to transport lumber down the San Lorenzo river 23 miles to Santa Cruz.<ref>''Santa Cruz Sentinel'' January 31, 1874, page 2</ref> Then in February 1874 the railroad lawsuit is resolved in the California Supreme Court.<ref>''Sacramento Daily Union'' February 28, 1874, page 4</ref> The San Lorenzo Railroad lost and had to pay damages to the property owners. In late 1874,with the lawsuit out of the way, a new group of ninety-nine investors came together to form the San Lorenzo Flume and Transportation Company and the Santa Cruz & Felton Railroad Company.<ref>''Sacramento Daily Union'' November 14, 1974, page 5</ref> Originally two separate companies with the same board of directors and overlapping goals between Santa Cruz and Felton, the Flume company later became a subsidiary of the Railroad.<ref>'''Daily Alta California'' February 4, 1876, page 1</ref> None of the San Lorenzo Valley Railroad officers were part of the new venture. Hihn and Treat were busy focusing on the construction of the [[Santa Cruz Railroad]]. | ||
In January 1875 a large force of workmen began to rework the old San Lorenzo Railroad grade and dig a tunnel through the hogback as proposed by the San Lorenzo Valley Railroad. Along the way a novel method to remove redwood stumps was developed. Previously stumps had been dug out by hand. A redwood stump 15 feet in diameter above ground had a huge amount of dirt to dig out. A particularly large stump was just across the river from the Big Trees Grove. The contractor decided to try a new method. His crew dug a vertical shaft by the side of the stump, then ran a horizontal tunnel to the center of the stump where kegs of powder were placed around the tap root. The hole was filled in and fuse lit. The stump reportedly shot three hundred feet in the air and came down clear of the railroad right of way at half the cost to dig out the stump. | In January 1875 a large force of workmen began to rework the old San Lorenzo Railroad grade and dig a tunnel through the hogback as proposed by the San Lorenzo Valley Railroad. Along the way a novel method to remove redwood stumps was developed. Previously stumps had been dug out by hand. A redwood stump 15 feet in diameter above ground had a huge amount of dirt to dig out. A particularly large stump was just across the river from the Big Trees Grove. The contractor decided to try a new method. His crew dug a vertical shaft by the side of the stump, then ran a horizontal tunnel to the center of the stump where kegs of powder were placed around the tap root. The hole was filled in and fuse lit. The stump reportedly shot three hundred feet in the air and came down clear of the railroad right of way at half the cost to dig out the stump.<ref>''San Jose Daily Mercury'' February 9, 1875, page 2</ref> | ||
The winter rains were delaying the supply of lumber for the railroad but by April things began to move again. The Pacific Bridge Company contracted to build the railroad wharf at Santa Cruz. Flume construction began from the northern end near King's Ranch and expanded towards Felton. The initial rolling stock was scheduled to be delivered in May. By July 1875 the construction crews consisted mostly of track layers and carpenters, with another crew tunneling the hogback. By September the tunnel was complete and the flume had reached Felton. All was ready to open the railroad some seven years after the San Lorenzo Railroad had begun construction. | The winter rains were delaying the supply of lumber for the railroad but by April things began to move again. The Pacific Bridge Company contracted to build the railroad wharf at Santa Cruz.<ref>''Sacramento Daily Record-Union'' April 27, 1875, page 1</ref> Flume construction began from the northern end near King's Ranch and expanded towards Felton. The initial rolling stock was scheduled to be delivered in May. By July 1875 the construction crews consisted mostly of track layers and carpenters, with another crew tunneling the hogback. By September the tunnel was complete and the flume had reached Felton.<ref>''Pacific Rural Press'' September 11, 1875, page 165</ref> All was ready to open the railroad some seven years after the San Lorenzo Railroad had begun construction. | ||
On October 7, 1875 the Santa Cruz | On October 7, 1875 the Santa Cruz & Felton Railroad Officers and invited guests took a trial trip from the beach at Santa Cruz up the river to Felton. Toasts were given and the construction celebrated before returning to Santa Cruz.<ref>''Sacramento Daily Record-Union'' October 8, 1875, page 1</ref> On October 13, 1875 the railroad officially opened in grand style with a crowd upwards of 1500 people in attendance. | ||
Operation of the SC&F was rather simple. The main purpose was to bring timber down the mountain from the terminus of the lumber flume in Felton. The flume was supplied with cut lumber and cordwood from various mills along its route. Empty flats went up the hill and loaded ones came down. Shipments of lime from the kilns near Felton supplemented the lumber . | Operation of the SC&F was rather simple. The main purpose was to bring timber down the mountain from the terminus of the lumber flume in Felton. The flume was supplied with cut lumber and cordwood from various mills along its route. Empty flats went up the hill and loaded ones came down. Shipments of lime from the kilns near Felton supplemented the lumber . | ||
The Santa Cruz mountains had always been known for heavy winter rains. The first winter of operation was no exception. Mountains cleared of timber, with a railroad right-of-way graded through them were easy targets for the rains. Two months after opening the railroad was forced to suspend operations as the first of what was to be many major washouts occurred along the line. Maintenance costs used up the profits at a rapid rate. | The Santa Cruz mountains had always been known for heavy winter rains. The first winter of operation was no exception. Mountains cleared of timber, with a railroad right-of-way graded through them were easy targets for the rains. Two months after opening the railroad was forced to suspend operations as the first of what was to be many major washouts occurred along the line.<ref>''Santa Cruz Sentinel'' November 20, 1875, page 3</ref> Maintenance costs used up the profits at a rapid rate. | ||
The original route through downtown Santa Cruz was along River Street and Pacific Avenue to the wharf built by the Pacific Bridge Company. The city franchise required the use of horse power along Pacific Avenue. After a few months the railroad decided to tunnel under Mission Hill and relocate the track to Chestnut Street paralleling the Santa Cruz Railroad. The tunnel opened in October 1876. | The original route through downtown Santa Cruz was along River Street and Pacific Avenue to the wharf built by the Pacific Bridge Company. The city franchise required the use of horse power along Pacific Avenue. After a few months the railroad decided to tunnel under Mission Hill and relocate the track to Chestnut Street paralleling the Santa Cruz Railroad. this would allow the use of steam locomotives all the way to the wharf. The tunnel opened in October 1876.<ref>''Santa Cruz Sentinel'' October 14, 1876, page 2</ref> | ||
The Santa Cruz Railroad was under construction at the same time as the Santa Cruz & Felton Railroad. However the Santa Cruz & Felton constructed the first tracks in the city proper. By the time that the Mission Hill tunnel had been completed the Santa Cruz Railroad had entered the City via Chestnut Street crossing the Santa Cruz & Felton just north of the railroad wharf. When the Santa Cruz & Felton laid its tracks down Chestnut Street it was necessary to cross the Santa Cruz Railroad to get to the SC&F yard and wharf. The result was two railroad crossings 1,600 feet apart. | The [[Santa Cruz Railroad]] was under construction at the same time as the Santa Cruz & Felton Railroad. However the Santa Cruz & Felton constructed the first tracks in the city proper. By the time that the Mission Hill tunnel had been completed the Santa Cruz Railroad had entered the City via Chestnut Street crossing the Santa Cruz & Felton just north of the railroad wharf. When the Santa Cruz & Felton laid its tracks down Chestnut Street it was necessary to cross the [[Santa Cruz Railroad]] to get to the SC&F yard and wharf. The result was two railroad crossings 1,600 feet apart. | ||
The downtown spur tracks served such industry as the Grover Planning Mill and the Centennial Flour Mill. Lime from the Felton area was stored in the railroad freight depot. Both lumber and lime were subsequently transported by ship. | The downtown spur tracks served such industry as the Grover Planning Mill and the Centennial Flour Mill. Lime from the Felton area was stored in the railroad freight depot. Both lumber and lime were subsequently transported by ship. | ||
In 1877 the railroad acquired a new customer. The California Powder Works had been moving its product from the works in the San Lorenzo river canyon to the company wharf by wagon. A slow and expensive method of transportation. With the coming of the Santa Cruz & Felton it was decided to construct a horse drawn railroad from the Powder Works up a steep grade with switchbacks to connect with the SC&F railroad. In addition a S-shaped wharf was built connecting the railroad wharf with the Powder Works wharf. Powder could now be brought down the hill via the SC&F directly to the Powder Works wharf. | In 1877 the railroad acquired a new customer. The California Powder Works had been moving its product from the works in the San Lorenzo river canyon to the company wharf by wagon. A slow and expensive method of transportation. With the coming of the Santa Cruz & Felton it was decided to construct a horse drawn railroad from the Powder Works up a steep grade with switchbacks to connect with the SC&F railroad. In addition a S-shaped wharf was built connecting the railroad wharf with the Powder Works wharf. Powder could now be brought down the hill via the SC&F directly to the Powder Works wharf.<ref>''Sacramento Daily Record-Union'' August 13, 1877, page 1</ref> | ||
Once again the winter weather would damage the railroad. On January 19, 1878 a fierce winter storm blew in. Large waves pounded the new connecting wharf knocking out piles and washing them against the Powder Work wharf causing additional damage. The loose piles then washed against the Liebrandt's bath house where they were removed just before they could damage the structure. In addition, the storm washed out the Santa Cruz Railroad track from the SC&F wharf to the baths. Significant repairs further drained both railroads' coffers. | Once again the winter weather would damage the railroad. On January 19, 1878 a fierce winter storm blew in. Large waves pounded the new connecting wharf knocking out piles and washing them against the Powder Work wharf causing additional damage. The loose piles then washed against the Liebrandt's bath house where they were removed just before they could damage the structure. In addition, the storm washed out the [[Santa Cruz Railroad]] track from the SC&F wharf to the baths.<ref>''Daily Alta California'' January 20, 1878, page 1</ref> Significant repairs further drained both railroads' coffers. It was necessary to assess the stockholders for additional funds.<ref>''Santa Cruz Sentinel'' January 19, 1878, page 3</ref> | ||
In November 1878 Charles Gorrill, President of the Santa Cruz & Felton Railroad talked to Alfred Davis, President of the [[South Pacific Coast Railroad]] about the possibility of merging the two lines. By | ====As a Leased Line of the [[South Pacific Coast Railroad]] 1879-1887==== | ||
In November 1878 Charles Gorrill, President of the Santa Cruz & Felton Railroad talked to [[Alfred E. Davis|Alfred Davis]], President of the [[South Pacific Coast Railroad]] about the possibility of merging the two lines. By May 1879 The SPC had reached the San Lorenzo River. The choice was either to continue down the east side of the San Lorenzo River to Santa Cruz or cross the San Lorenzo and connect with the SC&F. | |||
The SC&F needed more money for repairs and issued another assessment.<ref>''Santa Cruz Sentinel'' May 3, 1879, page 2</ref> Many of the original stockholders of the SC&F had become disillusioned with the company because of poor dividends and numerous assessments to pay for the repairs of landslides and washouts incurred during the railroad's first years. The threat of the SPC running a parallel railroad down the eastern side of the San Lorenzo River canyon depressed the stock even further.<ref>''Santa Cruz Sentinel'' March 22, 1879, page 3</ref> The result was that A. E. Davis acquired stock in the SC&F through the auction purchase of stock that had delinquent payment of assessments. He also purchased additional stock from current holders.<ref>''Santa Cruz Sentinel'' June 7, 1879, page 3</ref> He obtained enough stock to have a controlling interest in the railroad.<ref name="split">''Daily Alta California'' May 25, 1887, page 2</ref> He was named President of the line and issued another assessment whereby he increased his holdings.<ref>''Santa Cruz Sentinel'' July 26, 1879, page 3</ref> The Santa Cruz & Felton Railroad became a leased line of the SPC. | |||
The SPC quickly stepped in and began an extensive upgrading of the SC&F. Curves were reduced, [[Tunnels of the South Pacific Coast Railroad 1878-1887|tunnels]] dug, trestles rebuilt, depots and roundhouse built, and the track upgraded to 50 lbs per yard. On May 15, 1880, while the reconstruction was ongoing, the first through train reached Santa Cruz from San Francisco.<ref>''Daily Alta California'' May 15, 1880, page 1</ref> Eight days later a terrible accident occurred just south of the crossing of the SC&F with today's State Highway 9.<ref>''Daily Alta California'' May 24, 1880, page 1</ref> Sixteen excursionists were killed when a flat car with seats and side rails derailed and scrapped against the rocky cliff beside the track. | |||
{| class="wikitable | |||
The Arcade Depot at Cherry Street, completed in August 1880, was the last item of construction under the contract between the South Pacific Coast Railroad and Thomas Carter, the Construction Superintendent.<ref>''Santa Cruz Sentinel'' August 12, 1882, page 3</ref> | |||
The Santa Cruz and Felton Railroad retained its corporate identity until May 1887 when it was merged with the other SPC subsidiaries to form the [[South Pacific Coast Railway]].<ref>''Daily Alta California'' May 26, 1887, page 6</ref> In July 1887, Southern Pacific interests acquired the SPCRWY stock and leased the SPC to the Southern Pacific. The SP continued to operate the railroad converting the portion that was the SC&F to standard gauge by 1909. Today most of what was the SC&F railroad is operated by the Santa Cruz, Big Trees and Pacific Railroad, owned by Roaring Camp Railroads, Inc. | |||
{| class="wikitable" style="width: 100%;" | |||
|- | |- | ||
|+ Locomotives of the Santa Cruz & Felton Railroad (1875-1887) | |||
! | |||
! No./Name | ! No./Name | ||
! | ! Whyte | ||
! Builder | ! Builder | ||
! C/N | ! C/N | ||
! Order Date | ! Order Date | ||
! In Service Date | ! In Service Date | ||
! | ! Class | ||
! Cyl. | |||
! Drv. | |||
! Wt. | |||
! Notes | |||
|- | |- | ||
| Santa Cruz | | [[File:SCF-SantaCruz-CSRM.jpg|100x100px|center|frameless]] | ||
| ''Santa Cruz'' | |||
| 0-6-0 | | 0-6-0 | ||
| H. K. Porter | | [[H.K. Porter|H. K. Porter]] | ||
| 218 | | [[HK Porter-CN-218-1875|218]] | ||
| 1875 | | 1875 | ||
| July 1875<ref>''Santa Cruz Sentinel'' July 10, 1874, page 3</ref> | | July 1875<ref>''Santa Cruz Sentinel'' July 10, 1874, page 3</ref> | ||
| Sold to the Nevada & Oregon Railroad July 1881.<ref>''Santa Cruz Sentinel'' July 23, 1881, page 3</ref><ref> | | | ||
| 9 1/2x14 | |||
| 30in | |||
| 30,000 lbs | |||
| Leased to the [[South Pacific Coast Railroad]]. Sold to the [[Nevada & Oregon Railroad]] July 1881.<ref>''Santa Cruz Sentinel'' July 23, 1881, page 3</ref><ref>''Reno Evening Gazette'' August 3, 1881, page 3</ref> | |||
|- | |- | ||
| Felton | | [[File:Png photo notavailable 150px.png|100x100px|center|frameless]] | ||
| ''Felton'' | |||
| 0-6-0 | | 0-6-0 | ||
| H. K. Porter | | [[H.K. Porter|H. K. Porter]] | ||
| 236 | | 236 | ||
| Feb. 1876 | | Feb. 1876 | ||
| Aug. 1876<ref>''Santa Cruz Sentinel'' August 19, 1876, page 3</ref> | | Aug. 1876<ref>''Santa Cruz Sentinel'' August 19, 1876, page 3</ref> | ||
| Transferred to the [[South Pacific Coast Railway Locomotive Roster|South Pacific Coast Railway]], May 21, 1887.<ref>''Daily Alta California'' May 26, 1887, page 6</ref> | | | ||
| 9 1/2x14 | |||
| 30in | |||
| | |||
| Leased to the [[South Pacific Coast Railroad]]. Transferred to the [[South Pacific Coast Railway Locomotive Roster|South Pacific Coast Railway]], May 21, 1887.<ref>''Daily Alta California'' May 26, 1887, page 6</ref> | |||
|- | |||
|} | |} | ||
Compiled by [[User:John Hall|John F. Hall]]. | |||
===Bibliography=== | ===Bibliography=== | ||
---- | ---- | ||
| Line 131: | Line 150: | ||
===Reference Material Available Online=== | ===Reference Material Available Online=== | ||
---- | ---- | ||
:[[Tunnels of the South Pacific Coast Railroad 1878-1887|Tunnels of the South Pacific Coast Railroad 1878-1887 compiled by John F. Hall]] | |||
:[[:Media:SPC Rail Status by Segment and Year for PacificNG Nov 06 2019.pdf|South Pacific Coast Track Status Timeline by John F. Hall.]] | |||
;Photographs.<br> | ;Photographs.<br> | ||
: | :[[Gallery of Santa Cruz & Felton Railroad Photographs]] | ||
;Maps.<br> | ;Maps.<br> | ||
| Line 139: | Line 161: | ||
:The Route of the Santa Cruz & Felton Railroad for Google Earth by John Hall. | :The Route of the Santa Cruz & Felton Railroad for Google Earth by John Hall. | ||
California | ===References=== | ||
<div style="font-size:80%"> | |||
<references /> | |||
</div> | |||
[[Narrow_Gauge_Railroads_of_California|California]] / [[Narrow_Gauge_Railroads_of_California#Common Carrier|Common Carrier]] / [[Santa Cruz & Felton Railroad]] / [[South Pacific Coast Railroad]] | |||
[[Category:36in Gauge Railroads]] [[Category:Porter Locomotives]] [[Category:Carter Brothers]] [[Category:lumber]] [[Category:lime]] | |||
Latest revision as of 18:04, 2 May 2023
California / Common Carrier / Santa Cruz & Felton Railroad / South Pacific Coast Railroad
History
By John F. Hall
Reference Data.
Incorporated.
November 1874
Corporate Ownership.
Narrow Gauge:
Santa Cruz & Felton Railroad 1874-1887
Leased to South Pacific Coast 1879-1887
Southern Pacific 1887-1906
Dual Gauge:
Southern Pacific 1906-1907
Standard Gauge:
Southern Pacific 1907-1981
Roaring Camp Railroads, Inc. 1981-
Distances.
Santa Cruz - 0 mi
Mission Hill Tunnel (S. End) - 0.9
Powder Works - 2.8
Big Trees - 6.1
Felton - 7.8 mi
Rail Weight.
22.6 lbs/yd 1874-1877
35 lbs/yd 1877-1880
50 lbs/yd 1880-1887
Average Train Speed.
Freight: 10 mph
Passenger: 10 mph
Trestles.
24
Max. Grade.
2.6%
Min. Radius.
146 feet
Equipment Roster. June 30, 1877
Locomotive "Santa Cruz"
Locomotive "Felton"
1- 1st class passenger coach
1 - 2nd class coach
6 - Box cars
34 - Flats
2 - Hand cars
2 - Push cars
4 - Track laying cars
The Independent Years 1874-1879
The story of the 36 inch gauge Santa Cruz & Felton Railroad starts in 1868 with the formation of the San Lorenzo Railroad Company. It was to be a 18 mile long horse railroad up the San Lorenzo River from Santa Cruz to Kings Ranch to move lumber to Santa Cruz. Kings Ranch was located north of Boulder Creek near the intersection of today's Highway 9 and Kings Creek road in Santa Cruz County. Surveying and other work began in May 1868.[1] Almost immediately Isaac Cowell sued for an injunction to stop construction.[2] He was not awarded the injunction but the case continued in the courts for six years. Meanwhile construction and grading of the railroad continued. Then in 1870 with the grading completed to Felton construction ceases probably due to lack of funding and the ongoing lawsuit.[3]
The exact extent of the grading is not clear however one newspaper report said it was completed from Santa Cruz to Felton.[4] There is also an intriguing drawing in the Bancroft Library titled On the Grade Near Felton. The drawing is of the area in the vicinity of the Concrete Arch on today's Santa Cruz, Big Trees, and Pacific Railroad. The library has tentatively dated the drawing 1880 but it probably dates prior to 1875 when track was laid on the grade by the SC&F.
In 1870 the San Lorenzo Valley Railroad is incorporated to construct a railroad between Santa Cruz and Boulder Creek. Directors included George Treat and Frederick Hihn.[5] Both later major stock holders in the Santa Cruz Railroad. In 1871 this company resurveys the old San Lorenzo Railroad grade and determines that a tunnel through the hogback north of the Powder Works would cut a mile off the route.[6] Once again the company goes dormant possibly due to the ongoing lawsuit between the San Lorenzo Railroad and Isaac Cowell.
In 1874 a new project is proposed to construct a flume to transport lumber down the San Lorenzo river 23 miles to Santa Cruz.[7] Then in February 1874 the railroad lawsuit is resolved in the California Supreme Court.[8] The San Lorenzo Railroad lost and had to pay damages to the property owners. In late 1874,with the lawsuit out of the way, a new group of ninety-nine investors came together to form the San Lorenzo Flume and Transportation Company and the Santa Cruz & Felton Railroad Company.[9] Originally two separate companies with the same board of directors and overlapping goals between Santa Cruz and Felton, the Flume company later became a subsidiary of the Railroad.[10] None of the San Lorenzo Valley Railroad officers were part of the new venture. Hihn and Treat were busy focusing on the construction of the Santa Cruz Railroad.
In January 1875 a large force of workmen began to rework the old San Lorenzo Railroad grade and dig a tunnel through the hogback as proposed by the San Lorenzo Valley Railroad. Along the way a novel method to remove redwood stumps was developed. Previously stumps had been dug out by hand. A redwood stump 15 feet in diameter above ground had a huge amount of dirt to dig out. A particularly large stump was just across the river from the Big Trees Grove. The contractor decided to try a new method. His crew dug a vertical shaft by the side of the stump, then ran a horizontal tunnel to the center of the stump where kegs of powder were placed around the tap root. The hole was filled in and fuse lit. The stump reportedly shot three hundred feet in the air and came down clear of the railroad right of way at half the cost to dig out the stump.[11]
The winter rains were delaying the supply of lumber for the railroad but by April things began to move again. The Pacific Bridge Company contracted to build the railroad wharf at Santa Cruz.[12] Flume construction began from the northern end near King's Ranch and expanded towards Felton. The initial rolling stock was scheduled to be delivered in May. By July 1875 the construction crews consisted mostly of track layers and carpenters, with another crew tunneling the hogback. By September the tunnel was complete and the flume had reached Felton.[13] All was ready to open the railroad some seven years after the San Lorenzo Railroad had begun construction.
On October 7, 1875 the Santa Cruz & Felton Railroad Officers and invited guests took a trial trip from the beach at Santa Cruz up the river to Felton. Toasts were given and the construction celebrated before returning to Santa Cruz.[14] On October 13, 1875 the railroad officially opened in grand style with a crowd upwards of 1500 people in attendance.
Operation of the SC&F was rather simple. The main purpose was to bring timber down the mountain from the terminus of the lumber flume in Felton. The flume was supplied with cut lumber and cordwood from various mills along its route. Empty flats went up the hill and loaded ones came down. Shipments of lime from the kilns near Felton supplemented the lumber .
The Santa Cruz mountains had always been known for heavy winter rains. The first winter of operation was no exception. Mountains cleared of timber, with a railroad right-of-way graded through them were easy targets for the rains. Two months after opening the railroad was forced to suspend operations as the first of what was to be many major washouts occurred along the line.[15] Maintenance costs used up the profits at a rapid rate.
The original route through downtown Santa Cruz was along River Street and Pacific Avenue to the wharf built by the Pacific Bridge Company. The city franchise required the use of horse power along Pacific Avenue. After a few months the railroad decided to tunnel under Mission Hill and relocate the track to Chestnut Street paralleling the Santa Cruz Railroad. this would allow the use of steam locomotives all the way to the wharf. The tunnel opened in October 1876.[16]
The Santa Cruz Railroad was under construction at the same time as the Santa Cruz & Felton Railroad. However the Santa Cruz & Felton constructed the first tracks in the city proper. By the time that the Mission Hill tunnel had been completed the Santa Cruz Railroad had entered the City via Chestnut Street crossing the Santa Cruz & Felton just north of the railroad wharf. When the Santa Cruz & Felton laid its tracks down Chestnut Street it was necessary to cross the Santa Cruz Railroad to get to the SC&F yard and wharf. The result was two railroad crossings 1,600 feet apart.
The downtown spur tracks served such industry as the Grover Planning Mill and the Centennial Flour Mill. Lime from the Felton area was stored in the railroad freight depot. Both lumber and lime were subsequently transported by ship.
In 1877 the railroad acquired a new customer. The California Powder Works had been moving its product from the works in the San Lorenzo river canyon to the company wharf by wagon. A slow and expensive method of transportation. With the coming of the Santa Cruz & Felton it was decided to construct a horse drawn railroad from the Powder Works up a steep grade with switchbacks to connect with the SC&F railroad. In addition a S-shaped wharf was built connecting the railroad wharf with the Powder Works wharf. Powder could now be brought down the hill via the SC&F directly to the Powder Works wharf.[17]
Once again the winter weather would damage the railroad. On January 19, 1878 a fierce winter storm blew in. Large waves pounded the new connecting wharf knocking out piles and washing them against the Powder Work wharf causing additional damage. The loose piles then washed against the Liebrandt's bath house where they were removed just before they could damage the structure. In addition, the storm washed out the Santa Cruz Railroad track from the SC&F wharf to the baths.[18] Significant repairs further drained both railroads' coffers. It was necessary to assess the stockholders for additional funds.[19]
As a Leased Line of the South Pacific Coast Railroad 1879-1887
In November 1878 Charles Gorrill, President of the Santa Cruz & Felton Railroad talked to Alfred Davis, President of the South Pacific Coast Railroad about the possibility of merging the two lines. By May 1879 The SPC had reached the San Lorenzo River. The choice was either to continue down the east side of the San Lorenzo River to Santa Cruz or cross the San Lorenzo and connect with the SC&F.
The SC&F needed more money for repairs and issued another assessment.[20] Many of the original stockholders of the SC&F had become disillusioned with the company because of poor dividends and numerous assessments to pay for the repairs of landslides and washouts incurred during the railroad's first years. The threat of the SPC running a parallel railroad down the eastern side of the San Lorenzo River canyon depressed the stock even further.[21] The result was that A. E. Davis acquired stock in the SC&F through the auction purchase of stock that had delinquent payment of assessments. He also purchased additional stock from current holders.[22] He obtained enough stock to have a controlling interest in the railroad.[23] He was named President of the line and issued another assessment whereby he increased his holdings.[24] The Santa Cruz & Felton Railroad became a leased line of the SPC.
The SPC quickly stepped in and began an extensive upgrading of the SC&F. Curves were reduced, tunnels dug, trestles rebuilt, depots and roundhouse built, and the track upgraded to 50 lbs per yard. On May 15, 1880, while the reconstruction was ongoing, the first through train reached Santa Cruz from San Francisco.[25] Eight days later a terrible accident occurred just south of the crossing of the SC&F with today's State Highway 9.[26] Sixteen excursionists were killed when a flat car with seats and side rails derailed and scrapped against the rocky cliff beside the track.
The Arcade Depot at Cherry Street, completed in August 1880, was the last item of construction under the contract between the South Pacific Coast Railroad and Thomas Carter, the Construction Superintendent.[27]
The Santa Cruz and Felton Railroad retained its corporate identity until May 1887 when it was merged with the other SPC subsidiaries to form the South Pacific Coast Railway.[28] In July 1887, Southern Pacific interests acquired the SPCRWY stock and leased the SPC to the Southern Pacific. The SP continued to operate the railroad converting the portion that was the SC&F to standard gauge by 1909. Today most of what was the SC&F railroad is operated by the Santa Cruz, Big Trees and Pacific Railroad, owned by Roaring Camp Railroads, Inc.
| No./Name | Whyte | Builder | C/N | Order Date | In Service Date | Class | Cyl. | Drv. | Wt. | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
Santa Cruz | 0-6-0 | H. K. Porter | 218 | 1875 | July 1875[29] | 9 1/2x14 | 30in | 30,000 lbs | Leased to the South Pacific Coast Railroad. Sold to the Nevada & Oregon Railroad July 1881.[30][31] | |
 |
Felton | 0-6-0 | H. K. Porter | 236 | Feb. 1876 | Aug. 1876[32] | 9 1/2x14 | 30in | Leased to the South Pacific Coast Railroad. Transferred to the South Pacific Coast Railway, May 21, 1887.[33] |
Compiled by John F. Hall.
Bibliography
- Various articles from the following newspapers
- Daily Alta California, 1868-1887
- Sacramento Daily Record-Union 1867-1887
- Pacific Rural Press 1875-1878
- California Farmer and Journal of Useful Sciences, 1876
- Oakland Daily Evening Tribune, 1875
- Railroad Gazetteer, No. 12 Vol. XVI, August 1879
- 1876 Biennial Report of the Board of Railroad Commissioners.
- MacGregor, Bruce. "The Birth of California Narrow Gauge", Stanford University Press, 2003.
- McCaleb, Charles S. "Surf, Sand, and Streetcars, A Mobile History of Santa Cruz, California", Santa Cruz Historical Society, 1995.
- Robinson, Lisa. "The San Lorenzo Valley Flume", 2011.
Reference Material Available Online
- Tunnels of the South Pacific Coast Railroad 1878-1887 compiled by John F. Hall
- South Pacific Coast Track Status Timeline by John F. Hall.
- Photographs.
- Maps.
- The Route of the Santa Cruz & Felton Railroad for Google Earth by John Hall.
References
- ↑ Santa Cruz Sentinel May 16, 1868, page 2
- ↑ Daily Alta California July 28, 1868, page 2
- ↑ Santa Cruz Sentinel December 24, 1870, page 2
- ↑ Santa Cruz Sentinel December 24, 1870, page 2
- ↑ Santa Cruz Sentinel March 11, 1871, page 2
- ↑ Daily Alta California April 8, 1871, page 1
- ↑ Santa Cruz Sentinel January 31, 1874, page 2
- ↑ Sacramento Daily Union February 28, 1874, page 4
- ↑ Sacramento Daily Union November 14, 1974, page 5
- ↑ 'Daily Alta California February 4, 1876, page 1
- ↑ San Jose Daily Mercury February 9, 1875, page 2
- ↑ Sacramento Daily Record-Union April 27, 1875, page 1
- ↑ Pacific Rural Press September 11, 1875, page 165
- ↑ Sacramento Daily Record-Union October 8, 1875, page 1
- ↑ Santa Cruz Sentinel November 20, 1875, page 3
- ↑ Santa Cruz Sentinel October 14, 1876, page 2
- ↑ Sacramento Daily Record-Union August 13, 1877, page 1
- ↑ Daily Alta California January 20, 1878, page 1
- ↑ Santa Cruz Sentinel January 19, 1878, page 3
- ↑ Santa Cruz Sentinel May 3, 1879, page 2
- ↑ Santa Cruz Sentinel March 22, 1879, page 3
- ↑ Santa Cruz Sentinel June 7, 1879, page 3
- ↑ Daily Alta California May 25, 1887, page 2
- ↑ Santa Cruz Sentinel July 26, 1879, page 3
- ↑ Daily Alta California May 15, 1880, page 1
- ↑ Daily Alta California May 24, 1880, page 1
- ↑ Santa Cruz Sentinel August 12, 1882, page 3
- ↑ Daily Alta California May 26, 1887, page 6
- ↑ Santa Cruz Sentinel July 10, 1874, page 3
- ↑ Santa Cruz Sentinel July 23, 1881, page 3
- ↑ Reno Evening Gazette August 3, 1881, page 3
- ↑ Santa Cruz Sentinel August 19, 1876, page 3
- ↑ Daily Alta California May 26, 1887, page 6
California / Common Carrier / Santa Cruz & Felton Railroad / South Pacific Coast Railroad