Sacramento Northern Railway

Historical Background

The Sacramento Northern Railway Company was incorporated in California on August 29, 1921. Its purpose was to acquire and operate the property of the Sacramento Northern Railroad. It absorbed the Sacramento Northern on November 4, 1925. Western Pacific Railroad owned the new railroad. Sacramento Northern's trackage consisted of a main line extending from Chico to Sacramento, with various branches, operating approximately 157 miles of track. On December 31, 1928, the San Francisco- Sacramento Railroad was acquired. This line stretched from Chico to Oakland. On January 15, 1939, through service to Chico was instituted. Passenger service was discontinued in October of 1940 but freight service was continued.