Rocktram, California facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Rocktram
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 Rocktram
Location in California
Rocktram
Location in the United States
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| Country |  United States |
| State |  California |
| County | Napa County |
| Elevation | 13 ft (4 m) |
Rocktram (sometimes called Rockfram) is a small place in Napa County, California. It is not a city with its own government. Rocktram is very close to sea level, only about 13 feet (4 meters) high.
This area is located near the Southern Pacific Railroad. It is about 3 miles (1 km) south of the city of Napa. Rocktram is also where the Napa Valley Railroad meets the main line.
How Rocktram Got Its Name
Rocktram got its name from a special system called a "rock tram." This tramway was built by the Basalt Rock Company. It was used to move rocks from a quarry (a place where rocks are dug out) to a plant. The plant was located on the Napa River.
The tramway was like a giant conveyor belt in the sky. Metal containers hung from strong steel cables. These containers carried rocks from the hills east of the highway. They moved the rocks all the way to the plant by the river. The tramway even crossed over California State Route 221 near what is now Kaiser Road.
What Were the Rocks Used For?
Once the rocks reached the plant, they were loaded onto large boats called barges. These barges then floated down the Napa River. The rocks were transported to many construction sites. They traveled from places like Sacramento all the way to San Francisco.
Rocks from the Basalt Rock Company were very important for building. They were used to create Treasure Island in San Francisco Bay. They also helped build most of the famous bridges in the Bay Area.
