Historical Marker · No. 687
Napa Valley Railroad Depot, Calistoga
Calistoga, Napa County · California
Erected by Sam Brannan Chapter No. 1004, E Clampus Vitus, 1979
No state plaque stands at the depot. The bronze on its wall is the Clampers' of 1979, which casts terminus as TERMINOUS. The railroad had not been wanted this far north: Napa County voters twice defeated funding the extension to Calistoga in 1866, and the company built it anyway, reaching the hot springs in October 1868 in time for Brannan's resort opening. Eight months later the Napa Valley Railroad was sold in foreclosure. Passenger trains kept stopping here until 1929, and a painted state sign below the plaque carries the landmark number.
What the plaque says
Calistoga Depot Built by Sam Brannan for the Napa Valley Railroad in 1868 one year before the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad. Second oldest remaining railroad station in California. Northern terminous of the Napa Valley Railroad and its successors the Napa Valley Branches of the Central Pacific Railroad and the Southern Pacific Railroad. Restored in 1978 by Calistoga Depot Associates. Dedicated March 17, 1979 Sam Brannan Chapter No. 1004 E Clampus Vitus
Where it stands
38.57987, -122.57828 · Directions
More markers nearby
- Sam Brannan Cottage, Calistoga — steps away
- Sam Brannan Store, Calistoga — 0.2 mi
- Site of Hudson Cabin, Calistoga — 0.3 mi
- Site of York's Cabin, Calistoga — 0.3 mi