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Randsburg Railway

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Randsburg Railway
Overview
LocaleJohannesburg, California
Dates of operationJanuary 17, 1898–December 30, 1933
Technical
Track gauge4 ft 8+12 in (1,435 mm) standard gauge
Length28.5-mile (45.9 km)
Route in 1903

The Randsburg Railway was a 28.5-mile (45.9 km) branch line railroad in California's Mojave Desert. It originated at the main line of the Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railroad (AT&SF) at Kramer Junction, California, and terminated at Johannesburg, California, with a stop at Atolia. The Railway served as a supply link to the Rand Mine, which produced more silver than any mine in California. The Rand mine closed in 1929, as it was no longer profitable.[1][2]

Route in 1930

The line was completed on January 5, 1898, and began operation on January 17, 1898. The railway was acquired by the AT&SF in 1903. During its 35-year history, the Randsburg Railway served a number of local mining operations; it also provided passenger service.

The Randsburg Railway ceased operations on December 30, 1933, a victim of the Great Depression and a decline in the mining industry. The rails were removed the following year. Portions of the grade are still visible along U.S. Route 395 between Kramer and Johannesburg.

See also

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References

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  1. ^ Bakersfield Daily Californian December 22, 1896
  2. ^ "Randsburg Railway". randdesertmuseum.com. Archived from the original on September 18, 2020.
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