Northwestern Pacific in east Corte madera

bluegoat · Status: Offline

Reply To: Northwestern Pacific in east Corte madera

Jason · Status: Offline

Rene R.;905 wrote: I am trying to find out more information about the single track line which ran from the Tiburon ferry up through a tunnel between Tiburon and Mill Valley, and on north alongside what is now the bike path along San Clemente and proceeding north past the Village. The line connected at Detour with a branch line from Baltimore Park, then continued as a double-track over the trestle that crossed Sir Francis Drake until recently, and then through "Tunnel 3" to Schuetzen Park, renamed California Park during WWI, and then on to a key junction in San Rafael. (Tunnel 3 is the one recently 'rehabilitated' for mixed use and called "Cal-Park Tunnel.")

I have not been able to find exactly where Detour was located. As best as I can determine it must have been at the end of Industrial Way, just northeast of the Trader Joe's / Cost Plus shopping center.

I found one 1932 map which shows the line, and which I have been able to blow up for more detail. I'd love to find other maps showing this line, and more importantly, I'm seeking photographs showing the rail line as it paralleled modern San Clemente. The maps show Meadowsweet as (presumably) a stop; I have to assume the dairy sprawled across both sides of what is now 101 and there must have been a loading dock on the single rail line from Tiburon.

Does anyone have photos or maps of this section? I've been walking my dogs along that right of way for years, and I occasionally used to find old rail spikes thrown over the edge of the pathway. It's been a long time since I've found any.

Here is what the Richard Torney, the train expert, told me regarding your question. Maybe you should check out the libraries he mentions? Good luck.

"My tunnel program is scheduled to be shown at the Corte Madera Library in May. (I don't have the date right here, but it is probably on their website). Could you forward that info to the interested person? The NWPRRHS has maps covering the area, as well as the Marin History Museum, and the California History Room at the Civic Center library. It's all well documented stuff she's asking about."

Rene R. · Status: Offline

Thank you!

Jason · Status: Offline

I have a friend who is an expert on Marin rail. He gives lectures on the subject. I'll send him your question and I'm sure he'll have all the answers you're seeking.

Jason

Archie Bunker · Status: Offline

Rene R.;905 wrote: I am trying to find out more information about the single track line which ran from the Tiburon ferry up through a tunnel between Tiburon and Mill Valley, and on north alongside what is now the bike path along San Clemente and proceeding north past the Village. The line connected at Detour with a branch line from Baltimore Park, then continued as a double-track over the trestle that crossed Sir Francis Drake until recently, and then through "Tunnel 3" to Schuetzen Park, renamed California Park during WWI, and then on to a key junction in San Rafael. (Tunnel 3 is the one recently 'rehabilitated' for mixed use and called "Cal-Park Tunnel.")

I have not been able to find exactly where Detour was located. As best as I can determine it must have been at the end of Industrial Way, just northeast of the Trader Joe's / Cost Plus shopping center.

I found one 1932 map which shows the line, and which I have been able to blow up for more detail. I'd love to find other maps showing this line, and more importantly, I'm seeking photographs showing the rail line as it paralleled modern San Clemente. The maps show Meadowsweet as (presumably) a stop; I have to assume the dairy sprawled across both sides of what is now 101 and there must have been a loading dock on the single rail line from Tiburon.

Does anyone have photos or maps of this section? I've been walking my dogs along that right of way for years, and I occasionally used to find old rail spikes thrown over the edge of the pathway. It's been a long time since I've found any.

I remember the tracks along San Clemente Drive. And yes, there was a Meadowsweet Tunnel. However Meadowseet Drive is on the other side of the freeway. I assume the tunnel was on the east side of the freeway. I understand it's long since caved in and development has made all sights of it vanish.

I recently attended a talk at the Mill Valley Library about trains and tunnels in Marin County. I don't recall the individuals who gave the presentation but the library could probably put you in contact. There was a slide show that had the photographs you seek. These individuals were true historians of the trains in Marin County and can answer all your questions. And their many photographs were spectacular.

Rene R. · Status: Offline

Here's a close-up of the relevant section of the map.

Attached files

Rene R. · Status: Offline

Northwestern Pacific in east Corte madera