Synopsis
Railroads of California: The Complete Guide to Historic Trains and Railway Sites, written by prominent railway historian Brian Solomon and published in 2009, offers a comprehensive historical and visual guide to the Golden State’s rich railroading heritage. The book traces how the construction of early lines—including the legendary Western leg of the Transcontinental Railroad—overcame daunting terrain like the Sierra Nevada to transform California into an economic powerhouse and connect it to the rest of the nation.
The narrative explores both legendary fallen-flag lines and active operations, profiling iconic entities like the Southern Pacific, Santa Fe, and Western Pacific, as well as modern passenger and freight networks. Solomon details major civil engineering marvels, such as the Tehachapi Loop and Donner Pass, explaining the human grit and technological innovations required to build and maintain tracks across California’s mountain ranges, deserts, and coastal corridors.
Designed as both a historical retrospective and a practical guidebook, the text highlights premier preserved railway sites, heritage tourist lines, and railroad museums throughout the state. Paired with archival black-and-white imagery, modern color photography, and detailed route maps, Solomon’s work serves as an essential resource for railfans, travel enthusiasts, and state history buffs alike.