Randsburg Railway facts for kids
The Randsburg Railway was a special train track, about 28.5 miles (45.9 km) long, located in California's Mojave Desert. It started from the main train line of the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway (AT&SF) at Kramer Junction, California. The railway ended at Johannesburg, California, with a stop in Atolia, California. This railway was super important because it carried supplies to the Rand Mine. This mine produced more silver than any other mine in California! But in 1929, the Rand Mine closed because it wasn't making enough money anymore.
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The Randsburg Railway: A Desert Lifeline
The Randsburg Railway was a vital link for mining towns in the desert. It helped connect these busy areas to the larger world. Think of it like a long, metal arm reaching out to bring in everything the mines and towns needed.
Building a Path Through the Desert
Building a railway in the desert was a big job! The Randsburg Railway was finished on January 5, 1898. Just a few days later, on January 17, 1898, trains started running on the new tracks. This meant supplies could finally reach the distant mining towns. In 1903, a bigger train company, the AT&SF, bought the Randsburg Railway. This made it part of a much larger train network.
Serving the Mines and People
For 35 years, the Randsburg Railway was very busy. It helped many local mining operations. Trains carried heavy equipment, tools, and supplies to the mines. They also took out valuable minerals like silver. But it wasn't just for mining! The railway also offered passenger service. This meant people could travel to and from these desert towns. It was a key way for people to get around and for businesses to thrive.
The End of the Line
The Randsburg Railway stopped running on December 30, 1933. This was a tough time for many businesses. The Great Depression had hit, making money scarce. Also, the mining industry was slowing down. Mines like the Rand Mine were closing because they weren't profitable anymore. Without enough goods or people to transport, the railway couldn't keep going. The train tracks were removed the very next year. Even today, you can still see parts of where the railway used to be. Look closely along U.S. Route 395 between Kramer and Johannesburg.
