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Electric Trolleys emerged in Southern California
These were first introduced to LA during this time. Sources:
wikipedia's article,
also from: Kuntsler, James Howard (1993). The Geography of Nowhere – The Rise and Decline of America's Man-Made Landscape (First Touchstone Edition 1994 ed.). New York, New York: Touchstone. -
Beginnings of the PE Railway
The Pasadena and Pacific Railways merged, boosting Southern California tourism with 'red cars' (Video). Source:
wikipedia's article -
Period: to
Pacific Electric Railway
Used extensively, the railway transported products from citrus and wine-making areas of Southern California to across the United States. Later, it moved war materials and troops to Los Angeles ports. The line finally stopped in the 1950's. -
Construction of San Bernardino Line
The San Bernardino line, part of the Eastern District that merged with the Northen District of the PE railway, started to emerge. Source:
San Bernardino line's history -
'Great Merger' of 1910
The Southern Pacific Railway bought up most of the Pacific Electric Company and other railroad companies, but not the railway. Source:
wikipedia's article -
Car Numbering System
This was created, due to the influx of cars from the "Great Merger" of 1910 Source:
1911 Car Numbering System -
San Bernardino line opens
Henry Huntington, a prominent and critical business entrepreneur of San Bernardino, connected LA to San Bernardino through the San Bernrdino Line. This was part of his "Gateway City" vision. Source:
Christina Tobar's article Picture: Etiwanda Railway Depot - with a bell, soon after construction -
Period: to
Increase in Automobiles
Vehicles (like cars) became very popular, which began leading to the PE Railway's decline and replacement. Source:
Digitalnetexpress.com -
Replacement of PE railway lines
With rural passenger lines as non-profitable, they became converted to bus lines early on. Source:
wikipedia's article -
Pacific Electric Bridge
Starts getting built. Looking east on Foothill Boulevard (courtesy of Automobile Club of Southern California). Source:
Portal to the Past - Rancho Cucamonga -
Period: to
Great Depression
This event caused a rapid decline in the railway business, which further led to the PE railway's detriment. Some lines of the PE railway began to close. Source:
PBS Great Depression article
railswest article -
Rise of the Freeways and fall of the streetcar
AAA decides to create a new "Motorways System" for freeways to replace streetcars. This hinders efforts of the PE Railway's sustainability. Source:
LA Times article
wikipedia - PE Railway and Southern CA freeways articles -
San Bernardino's passenger usage discontinues
Source:
Christina Tobar's article -
Peak of PE Railway's Travel
The PE railway hit an all-time high due to the economic prosperity from World War II. Source:
Railswest article -
Northern District (San Bernardino line's district) ends
"Northern District service was discontinued...after the PE [Railway] was forced to abandon its Northern District lines near downtown LA for construction of a new freeway." Source:
Railswest article -
PE Railway turning to diesel
This line from LA to SB became dieselized. Source:
SB line railway history -
San Bernardino Station closes
The final and critical event that caused the PE Railway to close comes from the shutting down of the San Bernardino Station Source:
Christina Tobar's article -
End of the PE Railway
The PE Railway gets fully bought up by the Southern Pacific Railroad Company. Source:
Christina Tobar's article
