This collection consists of business records of the San Diego Gila Southern Pacific and Atlantic Railroad Company from 1854 to 1879.

The San Diego Gila Southern Pacific and Atlantic Railroad Company (SDGSPA) was founded in 1853 with the purpose of constructing and operating a railroad from San Diego to the Atlantic Coast. The original plans call for the line to run through Mission Gorge, Santee and Lakeside to Eagle Peak and then on through the Santa Ysabel Valley and Warner’s Ranch before joining another line at Yuma, Arizona. Charles H. Poole surveyed the area for 200 miles of track, but miscalculated the grade which was eventually found to be too steep to support a rail line. In 1869, SDGSPA agreed to merge with El Paso and Pacific Rail line if they would assist in building the track in exchange for through privileges. In 1879, the Texas and Pacific Railroad acquired both companies and all of the land before any track was laid.

2.0 Linear feet (3 boxes)

The San Diego History Center (SDHC) holds the copyright to any unpublished materials. SDHC Library regulations do apply.

This collection is open for research.