In the Heart of the Gold Country

California

United States of America

Come visit us to learn about the first railroad west of the Rockies, the folks who built it, and how the railroad helped to create the California we know today.

 

The Sacramento Valley Railroad originally ran from Sacramento to Folsom and opened for business in 1856, followed soon after by an extension from Folsom to Latrobe and Placerville in El Dorado County.

 

The Placerville and Sacramento Valley RR last saw trains more than 20 years ago. While the Folsom - Sacramento section has become the Regional Transit ‘Gold Line,’ the right of way between Folsom and Placerville remains protected and is owned by a ‘Joint Powers Authority.’

 

FEDSHRA is working with the ‘JPA’ and aims to create an educational and recreational community railroad on a section of the line between Historic Folsom and Placerville.

 

Our museum is located by the Train Depot on the railroad block in Historic Folsom. The site also boasts a reconstruction of an ‘A’ frame or ‘gallows’ type ‘turntable’ used to turn locomotives, originally erected in 1867.

 

We currently operate a beautifully restored ‘Skagit’ motor vehicle on a section of the Placerville line for essential maintenance only, and our volunteers are engaged in a variety of restoration projects, as well as working to maintain and improve the condition of the track along the route.

 

Operations are conducted from our storage facility at the ‘Wye’ - junction of the original Sacramento Valley Railroad and the Placerville line, a 5 to 10 minute walk from Historic Folsom though not normally open to the public.

As negotiations with the 'Sacramento Placerville Transportation Corridor Joint Powers Authority' make significant progress, watch the tracks for demonstration runs with the 'Skagit' or e-mail us for specific run dates.

 

FEDSHRA organizes the annual Folsom Handcar Derby - Great fun for all the family! Look out for info on the 2010 event, it promises to be bigger and better than ever!

 

Please ‘click’ on the Hand Car photograph or the events menu for more information.

 

For more information on events, volunteering or riding the Skagit please contact us!

FEDSHRA is a 501(c) 3 recognized non profit organization.

© 2009 FEDSHRA

Original Website Design by Pacific Blue Design
Content by FEDSHRA Members