Flashback: Nov. 7, 1885 – The railroad that put San Diego on the map

On Nov. 7, 1885, the California Southern Railroad completed a crucial section of track that finally connected San Diego to the national rail network. Until then, the city had been largely isolated on the edge of the continent, relying on ships and rough wagon trails for commerce and travel. The completion of the line transformed San Diego almost overnight, opening the city to trade, tourism, and rapid population growth during the late 19th century.

To serve as its southern terminus, the California Southern built San Diego’s first major train station downtown. The original depot stood for 30 years before being demolished and replaced in 1915 by the now-famous Santa Fe Depot, which was constructed in time for the Panama–California Exposition. The new station quickly became a city landmark and a lasting symbol of San Diego’s early railroad era—a legacy that began with that historic rail connection in November 1885.

The arrival of the railroad marked a turning point in San Diego’s development, laying the groundwork for its transformation from a sleepy coastal town into a bustling urban center and port city. By linking San Diego to the rest of the country, Nov. 7, 1885, became a pivotal date in the region’s economic and cultural history.

Sources: Journal of San Diego History, Winter 1986, Vol. 32, No. 1 – “The California Southern Railroad and the Growth of San Diego,” Historic American Buildings Survey (HABS) – National City Depot, California Southern Railroad.