Bagby Stationhouse, Water Tanks and Turntable facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Bagby Stationhouse, Water Tanks and Turntable
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Bagby water tanks
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 Location in California
Location in the United States
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| Location | CA 140, El Portal, California |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1907 |
| Architect | Yosemite Valley Railroad |
| Architectural style | Armstrong gallows frame |
| NRHP reference No. | 79000316 |
| Added to NRHP | April 13, 1979 |
The Bagby Stationhouse, Water Tanks and Turntable are important old structures. They were once part of the Yosemite Valley Railroad. This railroad ran from Merced, California to El Portal. El Portal is right at the entrance to Yosemite National Park. The trains used these structures from 1907 until 1945.
These buildings are now in El Portal. But they were first built in a town called Bagby. In 1966, the town of Bagby was going to be covered by water. This happened when Lake McClure was filled behind a new dam. So, these important structures were moved to save them.
Contents
What is the Bagby Stationhouse?
The Bagby Stationhouse is a rectangular building made of wood. It is about 16 feet (4.9 meters) wide and 40 feet (12.2 meters) long. This two-story building was designed for a narrow space. It fit between the railroad tracks and the Merced River in Bagby.
Inside the Stationhouse
The roof of the stationhouse hangs over by about 3 feet (0.9 meters). The first floor has three rooms. One room was a waiting area for passengers. Another room was for storing freight. An office separated these two rooms.
The second floor was a home for the stationmaster. This person managed the train station. Their home had a living room, a bedroom, a kitchen, and a bathroom. It also had an enclosed porch. Today, the Yosemite Conservancy uses this old station.
What are the Bagby Water Tanks?
There are two large water tanks at El Portal. They were also saved from Bagby. These tanks are made of wood. They stand on a strong timber structure. The total height of the tanks and their support is about 30 feet (9.1 meters).
How the Water Tanks are Built
A metal roof covers both tanks. This roof has a pointed shape, like a house roof. The wooden sides of the tanks are held together with iron bands. The strong timber frame that supports them is made of 12-inch by 12-inch (30 cm x 30 cm) wood beams.
What is the Bagby Turntable?
The turntable was also built in Bagby. It is believed to be the last of its kind in the United States. This type of turntable was operated by hand. It was used to turn train engines around.
How the Turntable Works
The turntable is made of heavy timber. Iron rods hold it all together. In the center is a 16-foot (4.9-meter) timber frame. This frame supports the turntable. Iron rods, one inch thick, connect the frame to the ends of the turntable. The turntable spun on wheels. These wheels ran on a single circular rail. This rail was about 8 feet (2.4 meters) across.
These historic structures are on land owned by the National Park Service. This land is in El Portal, just outside Yosemite National Park. The park manages these buildings. They were added to the National Register of Historic Places on April 13, 1979. This means they are important historical sites.
