Mallard, California facts for kids

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Quick facts for kids Mallard
Former settlement
Mallard Location in California
Country	United States
State	California
County	Alameda County
Elevation	52 ft (16 m)

Mallard (also called Mallard Siding) was once a small community in Alameda County, California. It was located about 1 mile (1.6 km) east of where downtown Fremont is today. This spot was 52 feet (16 meters) above sea level. It was an important stop along the Southern Pacific Railroad line.

Mallard Ferry Slip

There was also another place named Mallard, which was a ferry slip. A ferry slip is like a special dock where boats, often carrying trains, can load and unload. This Mallard ferry slip was part of the Sacramento Northern Railway (SN). It was located in Contra Costa County, near a place called West Pittsburg.

What is a Ferry Slip?

The ferry slip got its name from Mallard Slough. A slough is a narrow waterway, like a small river or inlet. This slough flowed into Suisun Bay. The railroad tracks ended right at this ferry slip. Today, Mallard Slough has a pump station for the Contra Costa Water District.

How the Ferry Worked

At the Mallard ferry slip, passenger train cars would roll onto a ferry boat. This boat would then carry them across the water to Chipps Island. From Chipps Island, the trains would continue on tracks into Solano County, heading towards the city of Sacramento. This was a clever way for trains to cross water before bridges were common.

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