Deborah Harton and Ron McCloud 128 pages softcover
In the 1880s, the Central Pacific Railroad labored through the rugged
upper Sacramento River canyon to connect California with the far
northwest. Where the canyon's steep walls open up to a view of
snowcapped Mount Shasta, a railroad switching yard, a depot, a
roundhouse, a turntable, and repair shops were constructed. Surrounded
by virgin timber, rushing waters, and dramatic geologic formations, this
railhead camp--named for a Canadian collier--grew. Completion of the
rail line brought commerce and growth as timber was harvested and
streams were prospected for gold. Visitors were, and continue to be,
drawn by the pure mountain air, scenic beauty, healing mineral waters,
hunting, and world-class trout fishing. Though facing many obstacles,
including storms, fires, and floods, the town thrived. Incorporated in
1909, Dunsmuir became the headquarters for the Southern Pacific
Railroad's fabled Shasta Division in 1916. Today Dunsmuir is known as
California's Historic Railroad Town and is recognized in the National
Register of Historic Places.
