First Transcontinental Railroad - Site of Completion of Pacific Railroad

The bronze that stood here said the first train crossed the San Joaquin bridge on September 8, 1869. The Sacramento Daily Union reported on the 7th that the Western Pacific's bridge had been finished the day before and three trains had already crossed it, and that evening the first through train from Sacramento reached Alameda, finishing a line from the Missouri to the Pacific four months after Promontory. The plaque was stolen from the stone base it shared with the Comet tablet. That one came back; this one has not.

What the plaque says

First Transcontinental Railroad Site of Completion of Pacific Railroad The construction of the San Joaquin River bridge completed the last link of the transcontinental railroad. Building had simultaneously proceeded from the Bay Area and Sacramento and met at the San Joaquin River. The first train crossed the bridge on September 8, 1869. California Registered Historical Landmark No. 780-7 Plaque placed by the State Department of Parks and Recreation in cooperation with local civic and historical organizations, November 8, 1969.

Where it stands

More markers nearby

• The Comet-1846-First Sail Launch — steps away
• California Chicory Works — 5.3 mi
• French Camp — 7.1 mi
• Site of San Joaquin City — 8.4 mi