Before BART: Electric Railroads Link Contra Costa County

This exhibit traces the evolution of the electric railroad system in Contra Costa County during the 20th century.  Beginning in 1913 the Oakland, Antioch and Eastern Railway (OA&E) connected communities within the county and beyond for 85 miles.  After 1929, the Sacramento Northern Railway provided 176 miles of interurban electric service from Oakland, through Contra Costa County to Sacramento and Chico.  It was the longest main line electric railway in the United States.  The last passenger train of the Sacramento Northern ran in 1941.  The exhibit features a moving HO model set up with the Contra Costa stations of Canyon, Saranap, Walnut Creek, Concord, Clyde and others shown.  A Thomas Train for kids will be set up and there are many photographs of the trains and the original stations.  The exhibit will also be open on the third Saturday of each month from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. as well as each Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.  Admission is free.