Randsburg Railway

The Randsburg Railway was a 28.5-mile (45.9 km) branch line railroad in California's Mojave Desert. It originated at the main line of the Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railroad (AT&SF) at Kramer Junction, California, and terminated at Johannesburg, California, with a stop at Atolia. The Railway served as a supply link to the Rand Mine, which produced more silver than any mine in California. The Rand mine closed in 1929, as it was no longer profitable.[1][2]

Route in 1930
Randsburg Railway
Overview
LocaleJohannesburg, California
Dates of operationJanuary 17, 1898–December 30, 1933
Technical
Track gauge4 ft 8+1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) standard gauge
Length28.5-mile (45.9 km)
Route in 1903

The line was completed on January 5, 1898, and began operation on January 17, 1898. The railway was acquired by the AT&SF in 1903. During its 35-year history, the Randsburg Railway served a number of local mining operations; it also provided passenger service.

The Randsburg Railway ceased operations on December 30, 1933, a victim of the Great Depression and a decline in the mining industry. The rails were removed the following year. Portions of the grade are still visible along U.S. Route 395 between Kramer and Johannesburg.

See also

References
  1. Bakersfield Daily Californian December 22, 1896
  2. "Randsburg Railway". randdesertmuseum.com. Archived from the original on September 18, 2020.


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