This week, TSPN will be doing a short series on the Amador Railroad, which will examine the various roles that the railroad has played in the local economy.  As motorists cruise through the heart of Amador County, the bump of rail road tracks beneath their tires is inevitable. Many don’t consider that they are driving over an artifact that dates back to the turn of the century, one that largely shaped Amador County’s terrain, its history, its livelihood, and its fame. The Amador Central Railroad traces its roots to the Ione and Eastern Railroad, which was incorporated in 1904.

The original Ione and Eastern line from Ione to Martell was intended to be extended further to Sutter Creek and then on to Volcano, but only the first rail line of the original plan was ever completed. The Ione Eastern Railroad was only in operation for four years, and primarily served to haul raw gold ore from the Amador County mines to processing facilities in the Bay Area. The Ione and Eastern was sold at foreclosure in 1908, and renamed “The Amador Central Railroad” by its new owners.  The railroad- a much better option began a wagon and pack mules- began to accommodate passengers. Vital goods and services were moved via train, including mail, food, clothing, mining equipment, and feed for animals. The Amador Central Railroad is the steepest and the windiest stretch of rail in California. Trains would have to stop and let their breaks cool for 20 minutes after the decent from Martell to Ione. In all, the trip took about an hour.