Beal, California facts for kids

Beal was once a small railroad station in the Mojave Desert. It was located in California, near the border with Arizona. This station was part of the Atlantic and Pacific Railroad line. It started operating around 1889. Beal was about five miles north of another station called Mellen.

What Was Beal?

Beal was not a big town. It was mainly a stop for trains. Imagine a place where trains could pause on their long journey. It was important for the Atlantic and Pacific Railroad. This railroad connected different parts of the western United States.

Why Was Beal Important?

Beal became important because of problems with a bridge. The railroad had built a bridge over the Colorado River in 1883. This bridge was near a place called Eastbridge. But the river's spring floods kept washing it out. This happened in 1884, 1886, and 1888. The railroad needed a safer way to cross the river.

Building a Stronger Bridge

Because of the floods, the railroad decided to move its path. They shifted the line south to Beal. From there, it went to Mellen. Between 1889 and 1890, a new bridge was built at Mellen. This was the famous Red Rock Bridge. It was a special type of bridge called a cantilever bridge. This means it was built with strong supports that stick out. It also had very solid stone foundations. This new bridge was much stronger than the old one. Once the Red Rock Bridge was finished, the old railroad track near Eastbridge was no longer used.

What Happened to Beal?

Today, Beal is an abandoned place. As of 2021, there are no buildings or ruins left to see. It is like a "ghost town" of a train stop. The desert has reclaimed the land where the station once stood.