The Southern Pacific in Los Angeles, 1873-1996

by Larry Mullaly and Bruce Petty

This book tells of the development of the Southern Pacific in southern California during the period of 1873 through 1996.  It is not a history of the Southern Pacific but shows how equipment and facilities changed during this period of time.  The time period covered starts when Los Angeles is developing into a small city and is becoming more Americanized with the rail connections with northern California and ultimately to the rest of the United States.

For Homestead Museum Docents, the book covers more than half of the time period we cover in our Museum tour.  It provides a good background of the souther California during the Victorian Age through the Roaring Twenties.  The book shows how the railroad initially served farmers and ranchers and by the 1920’s served industry and the tourist trade.

The Southern Pacific reflected both the area and the times.  Rail yards proliferated as Los Angeles grew.  These yards had to be moved out of the city as Los Angeles became more congested.  Strategic bypass roads, such as through the Cajon Pass, allowed heavy rail traffic to avoid the growing metropolis and shortened travel time.

The book has many photos of yards, trains and personnel.  According to the photos, in its early days, the Southern Pacific assigned jobs according racial and ethnic guidelines.  In more recent times, the reader can see a diverse group of employees in key positions, such as engineer, conductor and dispatcher.  This diversity reflects the changed demographics of southern California.