California's historical Landmark No. 953
Formed in February 1964 captures the history of the train era between Nevada and California. It was in 1880 the Carson and Colorado Railroad Company was formed and incorporated. It was planned to run from Mound House, Nevada and Carson River to the Colorado River. However it never reached the Colorado River but stopped short at Keeler, California. With the railraod running west people started arriving at the Owner River.It was in April of 1883 that the first train arrived to what is now know as Laws. Not only was a train depot built, additionally a hotel,eating house,boarding house,pool hall,warehouse barber shop and several industrial buildings.Ranchers would also use the railroad to ship their crops.
The decline and Laws and the railroad over the years was a result of local mines closing, trucking becoming cheaper than rail freight and the City of Los Angeles buying most of the valley for the water rights.
The railroad was often refered to as "the railroad tha was built 300 miles too long or 300 years too soon."
For a complete history and an amazing trip through time visit the Laws Railroad Museum.
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