The Yreka Western Railroad has a rich history that spans over a century. It was founded in 1898 and played a crucial role in the transportation of goods and people in Northern California.
The railroad's early years were marked by its connection to the California-Oregon border, where it linked the states' economies. Its main route ran from Yreka to the Oregon border, a distance of approximately 65 miles.
The railroad's construction was a significant undertaking, requiring the labor of many workers who faced challenging terrain and harsh weather conditions.
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History of Ownership
The Yreka Western Railroad has had its fair share of owners over the years, with the current owner being Railmark Holdings, Inc.
Railmark took over the railroad in 2017, bringing with it new marketing and infrastructure improvements. This included re-establishing the YW electronically in the North American Rail Network.
Railmark also renamed the Yreka Western Railroad Company back to its original 1888 name, Yreka Railroad Company, and obtained the "Doing Business As" (DBA) name Yreka Western Railroad Company.
In 2021, Railmark modernized and enhanced the YW's main rail transload facility, installing modern security, gates, lighting, and other features desired in rail to truck transfer. This facility has been in operation since 1910, and some of the original features remain and are exhibited today.
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Railmark Ownership (2017–Present)
In 2017, the Yreka Western Railroad was sold to its 15th and present owner, Railmark Holdings, Inc.
Railmark has made significant improvements to the railroad, including re-establishing it electronically in the North American Rail Network.
The company also renamed the Yreka Western Railroad Company back to its original 1888 name, Yreka Railroad Company, and obtained the "Doing Business As" (DBA) name Yreka Western Railroad Company in August 2017.
Railmark has protected the railroad's intellectual property, including its logo and "Blue Goose" trademark, which has been in continuous use since 1953.
The company has also modernized the YW's main rail transload facility, located off of Interstate 5 exit #775, with features such as modern security, gates, lighting, and other desired rail-to-truck transfer features, completed in 2021.
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Track Segment Cut
The Track Segment Cut was a pivotal moment in the history of ownership.
The first recorded Track Segment Cut was in 1850, when the construction of the Transcontinental Railroad led to the division of land along the railroad tracks.
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This marked a significant shift in the concept of ownership, as land was now being divided into segments based on the railroad's path.
The railroad companies played a crucial role in the Track Segment Cut, as they owned the land on either side of the tracks.
In some cases, the railroad companies even sold land to settlers, further solidifying their control over the land.
Operations
The Yreka Western Railroad has a rich history, but today it's a modern shortline railroad providing freight service to various industries.
The railroad's freight traffic is primarily wood chips, forest products, propane, and a variety of transload commodities.
In the past, the railroad operated excursion trains pulled by steam and diesel locomotives from the 1950s until 2008.
One of the most famous locomotives to run on the line was the 2-8-2 Baldwin 90 ton logging mikado #19, nicknamed "Pancho" due to its time spent in Mexico in the 1920s.
The railroad offered scenic views of Mount Shasta, the Shasta Valley, and the Siskiyou Mountains on its steam passenger train excursions.
Today, the railroad provides freight service, including transloading, railcar services, track construction & maintenance, and industrial rail development services.
The railroad has industrial development properties available in both Yreka and Montague.
Company Information
The Yreka Western Railroad is a short-line railroad company that operates in northern California.
It was founded in 1984 by a group of investors who acquired the former Western Pacific Railroad line.
The railroad serves several industries, including timber, mining, and agriculture, providing transportation services to these businesses.
The railroad's main office is located in Yreka, California, a small town in the Shasta Cascade region.
The railroad's operations cover a distance of approximately 130 miles, connecting the towns of Yreka and Mount Shasta.
Legacy and Closure
The Yreka Western Railroad is saying goodbye to its beloved Blue Goose, a 1915 Baldwin steam engine that's been a part of the line for years. The Blue Goose is being retired and will be headed north to its new home in Elgin, Ore., where it will become part of the Wallowa Union Railroad Authority's Eagle Cap Excursion Line.
The Blue Goose's current owner, Court Hammond, has been awarded a contract to operate the railroad beginning this summer. Hammond's company, Sierra Nevada and Pacific Railroad, will be responsible for track and equipment maintenance and will provide liability insurance.
The Wallowa Union Railroad Authority will take the first $15,000 earned by Hammond's company and will collect three percent of its gross revenue over $300,000. This is a significant financial arrangement that will impact the future of the railroad.
The Blue Goose is currently undergoing repairs and upgrades at the Yreka depot in preparation for its trip to its new home.
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