The efforts to crate a rail connection across the southern United States, connecting San Diego with the east, began with the organization of the San Diego and Gila, Southern Pacific and Atlantic Railway Company in 1854.The directors of the company were among San Diego’s wealthiest and most influential citizens. They succeeded in convincing the city of San Diego to donate 8,850 acres of land to be used for railroad purposes. Although off to a good start, the sectionalism of the nation during that time before the Civil War prevented them from making any headway on a railroad through the South. The Civil War itself further delayed any progress and of the over $1 billion spent by the federal government on internal improvements after the war, less than 10% found its way to the southern states. In 1868, still determined to realize their dream, the company reorganized, changing its name to the San Diego & Gila Railroad Company. This collection begins in the fall of 1868 with the minutes of a meeting called to determine the officers of the Board of Directors.

1 box, 0.5 linear ft.

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