South Hollywood–Sherman Line facts for kids
Quick facts for kids South Hollywood–Sherman |
|
|---|---|
| Overview | |
| Owner | Southern Pacific Railroad |
| Locale | Los Angeles |
| Termini | Hill Street Station West Hollywood |
| Stations | 8 |
| Service | |
| Type | Light rail |
| System | Pacific Electric |
| Operator(s) | Pacific Electric |
| Rolling stock | Steel 600 Class (last used) |
| Daily ridership | 5,314,149 (last counting) |
| History | |
| Opened | 1896 |
| Closed | May 31, 1953 |
| Technical | |
| Line length | 9.84 mi (15.84 km) |
| Track gauge | 1,435 mm (4 ft 8 1⁄2 in) standard gauge |
| Electrification | 600 V DC Overhead lines |
The South Hollywood–Sherman Line was a special train route in Los Angeles. It was part of the Pacific Electric Railway system. This line connected Downtown Los Angeles to a town called Sherman, which is now known as West Hollywood.
The line was named after Moses Sherman, who helped build it. He also built a large train yard in West LA. This yard was a big area (about 5.56 acres) on Santa Monica Boulevard. It had a power house, a place to keep the train cars, and a repair shop.
Contents
History of the Sherman Line
How the Line Started
The South Hollywood–Sherman Line first opened in 1896. It was originally part of a different railway company called the Pasadena and Pacific. Later, this company became part of the Los Angeles Pacific Railroad.
To make trips faster into downtown, trains started using the Hill Street Tunnel on September 15, 1909.
Joining Pacific Electric
In 1911, many railway companies joined together to form the new Pacific Electric Railway. This big event was called the "Great Merger." The Los Angeles Pacific Railroad, including the Sherman Line, became part of Pacific Electric.
Over the years, the train service changed. In 1914, some trains on this line started going all the way to Venice. This was later extended to Ocean Park in 1922. Starting in 1926, the trains also began running through the Hollywood Subway. By the 1930s, buses also started running from the West Hollywood station.
End of Service
The trips to Venice stopped in 1938. By May 1948, some parts of the line became a shuttle service, meaning trains only went short distances. Finally, all passenger train service on the South Hollywood–Sherman Line ended on May 31, 1953. The old train buildings were taken down in 1974 to make way for new buildings.
Route of the Train Line
Journey Through Los Angeles
The South Hollywood–Sherman Line started its journey by following another train line, the Glendale–Burbank Line. They ran together until a place called Park Junction. From there, the Sherman Line turned left and went up a small hill. It then turned west onto Sunset Boulevard.
The train tracks ran down the middle of Sunset Boulevard. They crossed busy streets like Alvarado Street and Silverlake Boulevard. Then, at Sanborn Junction, the line turned left again, heading west onto Santa Monica Boulevard.
Through Hollywood
On Santa Monica Boulevard, the tracks continued west. They passed through famous areas like Hollywood, crossing streets such as Vermont Avenue, Western Avenue, and Vine Street. After Vine Street, the tracks went past Highland Avenue and La Brea Avenue. Near Fairfax Avenue, at a spot called Crescent Junction, the Hollywood Line joined the South Hollywood–Sherman Line.
Reaching West Hollywood
From Crescent Junction, the tracks kept going west on Santa Monica Boulevard. They passed Crescent Heights Boulevard. Near La Cienega Boulevard, the tracks moved into a special private area between the two sides of Santa Monica Boulevard. They continued for a few more blocks to the end of the line in Sherman, which is now West Hollywood. The trains would then turn into the West Hollywood Carhouse and shops, where they were stored and repaired.
