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HIS TO RIC PROPERTY SURVEY REPORT
Railroad Safety Trail Phase III
in the City of San Luis Obispo,
San Luis Obispo County, California
05-SLO-O-SLO
RPSTPLE-5016 (037)
EA 05-4AI954
Prepared By
Randy Baloian, Archaeologist/Historian
Applied Earth Works, Inc.
5090 N. Fruit Ave., Suite 101, Fresno, California 93711
Submitted To
Daniel Van Beveren, Senior Civil Engineer
City of Santa Luis Obispo Department of Public Works
955 Morro Street, San Luis Obispo, California 93401
and
Gary Ruggerone, Chief, Environmental Planning Branch
California Department of Transportation
50 Higuera Street, San Luis Obispo, California 93401
April 2007
J
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HISTORIC PROPERTY SURVEY REPORT
California Department of Transportation
1. UNDERTAKING DESCRIPTION AND LOCATION
District County Route Kilo Posts Post Miles Charge Unit Expenditure Authorization
Local Agency) (Project Prefix) (Project No.) (Agreement) (Location)
5 SLO City of San RPSTPLE 5016 (037) EA 05-4Al954
Luis Obispo
Both kilometer posts and post miles must be completed above. For Local Assistance pro1ects off the highway system,
use headers in italics.)
Project Description: (Insert project description below; refer reader to location and vicinity maps in HPSR.)
The City of San Luis Obispo (City), in conjunction with the California Department of Transportation
Caltrans) and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), plans to construct a bike path along the
Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR) in the east part of town (Exhibit A). The project corridor crosses
Sections 26 and 35 of Township 30 South, Range 12 East as shown on the San Luis Obispo, California,
U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) 7.5-minute quadrangle (Exhibit B).
Pedestrians and bicyclists commonly use the UPRR right-of-way (ROW) as a convenient route through
town. Foot and cycle traffic along this corridor not only constitutes trespassing on UPRR property but
also creates a safety hazard given the proximity of fast-moving trains. The installation of a paved City
path would provide legal and safe access through this heavily used route.
The project will involve the construction of a 12-foot-wide paved Class I bike path along the western
margin of the ROW currently owned by the UPRR. The trail would extend from the north end of the
UPRR station parking lot to Pacific Street, a distance of approximately 2,250 feet (Exhibit C). The
proposed path would terminate near the beginning of an existing Class II bicycle system located on
Marsh Street. The project additionally involves the construction of two clear span bicycle bridges
parallel to the railroad bridges across Johnson A venue and San Luis Obispo Creek, as well as security
fencing between the trail and the railroad tracks. Cut-slope grading and placement of retaining walls
will be necessary in segments where the ROW slants precipitously downward from the tracks. The City
plans to purchase the necessary property from the UPRR.
2. AREA OF POTENTIAL EFFECTS
The Area of Potential Effects (APE) for the project was established in consultation with Kelda Wilson,
Caltrans Principal Investigator-Prehistoric Archaeologist. Cathy Stettler serves as the Caltrans
Environmental Coordinator, and John Smida is the Caltrans Local Assistance Engineer for the project.
Project Manager Daniel Van Beveren, Senior Civil Engineer, represents the City of San Luis Obispo.
The APE map is provided as Exhibit C of this Historic Property Survey Report.
The APE was established as an area large enough to account for direct and indirect effects the project
may have on historic properties. The APE dimensions directly correspond to the UPRR ROW between
the north end of the station and Pacific Street and measure approximately 2,250 feet long by 100-113
feet wide. The project corridor passes through a residential neighborhood, containing some historical
homes. However, none of these buildings face the railroad tracks, and the project would not have any
direct or indirect effect on these resourc.es. Thus, only the area within the UPRR ROW is included in
the APE; the architectural APE is identical to the archaeological APE. Grading and ground-moving
activities may extend as much as 3 feet below the surface. The APE encompasses about 6 acres.
For the federal undertaking described in Part 1: To minimize redundancy and paperwork for the California Department
of Transportation and the State Historic Preservation Officer, and in the spirit intended under the federal Paperwork
Redundancy Act (U.S.C. 44 Chapter 35), this document also satisfies consideration under California Environmental
Quality Act Guidelines §15064.5(a) and, as appropriate, Public Resources Code §5024(a), (b), and (d).
HPSR form: 01-05) Page 1
I
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HISTORIC PROPERTY SURVEY REPORT
California Department of Transportation
3. CONSULTING PARTIES/ PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
For the lo/lowing, check the appropriate line, list names, dates, and locations and results of contacts, as
appropriate. List organizations/persons contacted and attach correspondence and summarize verbal comments
received, as appropriate.
Local Government (Head of local government, Preservation Office I Planning Department)
Daniel Van Beveren, Senior Civil Engineer, City of San Luis Obispo, October-November 2006.
Provided information about the specifics of the project
Native American Tribes, Groups, and Individuals
On 26 October 2006, contact letters were mailed to individuals and organizations identified by
the Native American Heritage Commission: Puilulaw Khus; Lei Lynn Odom; Mark Vigil of the
San Luis Obispo County Chumash Council; Shirley Macagni and John Burch of the Salinan
Tribe of Monterey, San Luis Obispo, and San Benito Counties; Peggy Odom; Mary Trejo;
Bonnie Pierce; Matthew Goldman; Mona Tucker; and Fred Collins of the Northern Chumash
Tribal Council (see example in Exhibit D). In a letter dated 10 November 2006 letter, Fred
Collins, representing the Northern Chumash Tribal Council, cited several reasons why his
organization regards the town of San Luis Obispo as a sensitive area for the Chumash people
Exhibit D).
Native American Heritage Commission
In a 25 October 2006 correspondence, the commission indicated that no known Native
American cultural resources are located in the immediate project area (Exhibit D).
Local Historical Society I Historic Preservation Group (also if applicable, city archives, etc.)
Alan Ochs, San Luis Obispo County Historical Society, 8 November 2006. Mr. Ochs assisted
in gathering relevant archival materials.
On 27 March 2007, letters were sent to Ron Clarke of the San Luis Obispo County Historical
Society, Brad LaRose of the San Luis Obispo Railroad Museum, Devin Gallagher of Heritage
Shared, and Jeff Hook of the City of San Luis Obispo. The purpose of the letter was to obtain
information about the study area and to solicit opinions regarding the historical significance of
resources identified by the current study. To follow up, on 4 April 2007, each individual was
contacted by telephone or e-mail. Consultation with local historical groups was considered in
determining the eligibility of the subject resources (Exhibit D).
D Public Information Meetings (list locations, dates below and attach copies of notices)
Other
Kelda Wilson, Caltrans Principal Investigator-Prehistoric Archaeologist, November 2006.
Consulted with Caltrans regarding the APE and evaluation of resources.
4. SUMMARY OF IDENTIFICATION EFFORTS
National Register of Historic Places Month & Year: 1979-2002 & supplements
California Register of Historical Resources Year: 1992 & supplemental information to date
California Inventory of Historic Resources Year: 1976
California Historical Landmarks Y_ear: 1995 & supplemental information to date
California Points of Historical Interest Year: 1992 & supplemental information to date
State Historic Resources Commission Year: 1980-present, minutes from quarterly meetings
HPSR form: 01-05] Page 2
HISTORIC PROPERTY SURVEY REPORT
California Department of Transportation
Caltrans Historic Highway Bridge Inventory Year: 2003 & supplemental information to date
Archaeological Site Records [List names of Institutions & date below]
Records search at the Central Coast Information Center of the California Historical Resources
Information System located at University of California, Santa Barbara, 26 October 2006.
Other sources consulted [e.g., historical societies, city archives, etc. List names and dates below]
San Luis Obispo County Recorder, 8 November 2006.
Alan Ochs and Ron Clarke, San Luis Obispo County Historical Society, 8 November 2006,
27 March 2007.
San Luis Obispo County Library, 8 November 2006.
Brad LaRose, San Luis Obispo Railroad Museum, 27 March 2007.
Devin Gallagher, Heritage Shared, 27 March 2007.
Jeff Hook, City of San Luis Obispo, 27 March 2007.
Results: (Provide a brief summary of records search and research results, as well as inventory findings)
The records search indicated that the UPRR ROW has not been subject to systematic survey and no
previously recorded cultural resources lie within the project corridor. The two railroad bridges
within the APE-spanning Johnson A venue and San Luis Obispo Creek-do not appear in the
Caltrans bridge inventories nor had they been previously documented as historical structures.
Because the APE had not been examined, the Information Center recommended that the project
corridor be surveyed for cultural resources.
Local repositories and other sources provided text, maps, and photographs specific to the APE and
to help establish the historical context for the resource evaluation. Resources within the APE are
directly associated with the Southern Pacific Railroad, which constructed the rail line through San
Luis Obispo in 1894 and operated it throughout the twentieth century.
The inventory recorded three cultural resources within the APE. CA-SL0-2531 (P-40-002531H) is
a historical archaeological site containing two concrete foundations of undetermined age. The
Johnson Avenue Railroad Bridge (CA-SL0-2529H; P-40-002529) was installed in 1956-1957
during construction of the Johnson Underpass. The Johnson Avenue Railroad Bridge is listed as a
historical resource by the City. The San Luis Obispo Creek Railroad Bridge (CA-SL0-2530H; P-
40-002530) was built in 1901, replacing the original wooden truss structure. Under the advisement
of Cal trans, the current study incorporated all three resources into the San Luis Obispo Railroad
Historic District.
5. PROPERTIES IDENTIFIED
Check the appropriate category, list properties, or refer reader to appropriate technical study attached, according to
their National Register status. Provide, as appropriate, complete address, period and level of significance, criteria,
map reference, and any existing state or local designation. Do not include properties that are not within the APE.
Attach previous SHPO determinations, as applicable.
D No cultural resources in project APE.
D {Name[, [Indicate whether person is Ca/trans or consultant architectural historian or archaeologist],
who meets the Professionally Qualified Staff Standards in Section 106 Programmatic Agreement
Section 106 PA) Attachment 1 as a(n) [Indicate applicable PQS level], has determined that the only
other properties present within the APE meet the criteria for Section 106 PA Attachment 4
Properties Exempt from Evaluation).
HPSR form: 01-05] Page 3
HISTORIC PROPERTY SURVEY REPORT
California Department of Transportation
D Bridges listed as Category 5 in the Caltrans Historic Highway Bridge Inventory. Appropriate
pages from the Caltrans Historic Bridge Inventory are attached.
D Properties previously determined not eligible (include date of determination):
On behalf of FHWA, Caltrans has determined the following properties are not eligible:
Archaeological site CA-SL0-253 lH; OHP Status Code 6Z; Map #1.
Johnson Avenue Railroad Bridge (CA-SL0-2529H); OHP Status Code 5Sl; Map #2.
D Caltrans, on behalf of FHWA, has determined that the following archaeological sites shall be
considered eligible for the National Register without conducting subsurface testing or surface
collection within the APE, for which the establishment of an ESA will protect the sites from any
potential effects, in accordance with Section 106 PA Stipulation VIII.C. See attached documentation.
B Properties previously listed or determined eligible (include date of listing or determination):
San Luis Obispo/Southern Pacific Railroad Historic District ( determined eligible May 4, 1994)
On behalf of FHWA, Caltrans has determined the following properties are eligible:
San Luis Obispo Creek Railroad Bridge (CA-SL0-2530H); contributor to the San Luis Obisno/Southem
Pacific Railroad Historic District·
D State-owned historical buildings and structures to be added to the Master List, per PRC
5024(d):
D State-owned buildings and structures that are not eligible for the National Register or as a State
Historical Landmark:
6. LIST OF ATTACHED DOCUMENTATION
Provide the author/date and peer reviewer/date of the technical report)
Project Vicinity, Location, and APE Maps
D California Historic Bridge Inventory sheet
Historical Resources Evaluation Report (HRER)
Wendy Nettles and Randy Baloian, 2007; peer-reviewed by Robert Pavlik, 2007
Archaeological Survey Report (ASR)
Randy Baloian, 2006; peer-reviewed by Kelda Wilson, 2007
D Archaeological Evaluation Report (CARIDAP, XPI, PII, PIii)
Other (specify below)
Native American consultation correspondence
Historical consultation correspondence
HPSR form: 01-05] Page4
HISTORIC PROPERTY SURVEY REPORT
California Department of Transportation
7. FINDINGS-HPSR to File
Check all that apply. Do not transmit to SHPO; file copy to CCSO)
D No properties requiring evaluation are present within the project's APE.
D Properties previously determined not eligible in consultation with the SHPO, or formally
determined not eligible by the Keeper of the National Register are present within the project's APE.
Copy of SHPO/Keeper correspondence is attached.
D Properties previously determined eligible in consultation with the SHPO, or formally determined
eligible by the Keeper of the National Register are present within the project's APE, but will not be
affected by the undertaking. Copy of SHPO/Keeper correspondence is attached.
D Under the authority of FHWA, Caltrans has determined a Finding of No Historic Properties
Affected, according to Section 106 PA Stipulation IX.A and 36 CFR 800.4(d)(1 ), is appropriate for
this undertaking.
8. FINDINGS -HPSR to SHPO
Check all that apply. Transmit to SHPO, copy to FHWA and CCSO)
Under the authority of FHWA, Caltrans has determined that there are properties evaluated as a
result of the project that are not eligible for inclusion the National Register within the project's APE.
Under Section 106 PA Stipulation VIII.C, Caltrans requests SHPO's concurrence in this
determination.
Under the authority of FHWA, Caltrans has determined that there are properties evaluated as a
result of the project that are eligible for inclusion in the National Register within the project's APE.
Under Section 106 PA Stipulation VIII.C, Caltrans requests SHPO's concurrence in this
determination.
Under the authority of FHWA, Caltrans has determined a Finding of No Historic Properties
Affected, according to Section 106 PA Stipulation IX.A and 36 CFR 800.4(d)(1 ), is appropriate for
this undertaking.
With regard to the San Luis Obispo Creek Railroad Bridge, this determination is supported by the
following points: (1) no modifications will be made to the existing railroad bridge; (2) the clearance
between the existing bridge and the new bicycle bridge will be 27.6 feet; and (3) the new bridge
will be designed for architectural compatibility and will include an interpretive overlook with
historical information about the railroad bridge.
D Under the authority of FHWA, Caltrans has determined a Finding of No Adverse Effect with
Standard Conditions -ESAs, according to Section 106 PA Stipulation X.8(2) and 36 CFR
800.S(b ), is appropriate for this undertaking. (Include description of ESAs and enforcement measures
below; attach ESA Action Plan as appropriate.)
D Under the authority of FHWA, Caltrans has determined a Finding of No Adverse Effect with
Standard Conditions -Rehabilitation, according to Section 106 PA Stipulation X.8(2) and 36
CFR 800.S(b), is appropriate for this undertaking. [Name], who meets the Professionally Qualified
Staff Standards in Section 106 PA Attachment 1 as Principal Architectural Historian, and has the
appropriate education and experience, has reviewed the rehabilitation documentation and
determined that the rehabilitation meets the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the Treatment
of Historic Properties. (Include description of rehabilitation below or indicate below the title of the HPSR
attachment that contains the description.)
HPSR form: 01-05] Page 5
HISTORIC PROPERTY SURVEY REPORT
California Department of Transportation
Findings for State-Owned Properties
D Caltrans has determined that there are state-owned buildings and structures within the project
limits that meet National Register and/or the State Historical Landmarks eligibility criteria and
requests that SHPO add such resources to the Master List of Historical Resources pursuant to PRC
5024(d).
D Caltrans has determined that this project will have no effect/no adverse effect to state-owned
archaeological sites, objects, districts, landscapes within the project limits that meet National
Register and/or State Historical Landmarks eligibility criteria and is providing notice and summary to
SHPO pursuant to PRC §5024(f). (Indicate reference to Standard Conditions -ESA above, or include
description of proposed treatments, ESAs, protective covenants, etc., below or indicate below which HPSR
attachment contains the description.)
D Caltrans has determined that this project will have no effect on state-owned buildings and
structures within the project limits that meet National Register and/or State Historical Landmarks
eligibility criteria and is providing notice and summary to SHPO pursuant to PRC §5024(f).
D Caltrans has determined that this project will have no adverse effect on state-owned buildings
and structures within the project limits that meet National Register and/or State Historical
Landmarks eligibility criteria. [Name of Ca/trans PQSJ, [applicable PQS discipline/level] has
reviewed the documentation and determined that it meets the Secretary of the Interior's Standards
for the Treatment of Historic Properties. Caltrans is providing notice and summary to SHPO
pursuant to PRC §5024.5. (Indicate reference to Standard Conditions -Rehabilitation above, or include
description of proposed repairs, rehabilitation, ESAs, protective covenants, etc., below or indicate below, which
HPSR attachment contains the description.)
D Caltrans has determined that this project will have an adverse effect to state-owned
archaeological sites, objects, districts, landscapes within the project limits that meet National
Register and/or State Historical Landmarks eligibility criteria and is providing notice and summary to
SHPO pursuant to PRC §5024(f). (Include below a description of alternatives considered and proposed
mitigation measures, or indicate below which HPSR attachment contains the description.)
D Caltrans has determined that this project will have an adverse effect on state-owned buildings
and structures within the project limits that meet National Register and/or State Historical
Landmarks eligibility criteria. Caltrans is providing notice and summary to SHPO pursuant to PRC
5024.5. (Include below a description of alternatives considered and proposed mitigation measures, or
indicate below which HPSR attachment contains the description.)
D For state-owned qualified historical buildings and properties within the project limits, Caltrans
has applied the California Historical Building Code (CHBC) to relevant sections of the current
code(s) and/or standards and, if applicable, has consulted with the State Historical Building Safety
Board (SHBSB) through its Executive Director pursuant to Health and Safety Code Section 18961
and its implementing regulations at California Code of Regulations Title 24 Part 8 Section 8-103.2.
Indicate below whether use of current code(s) and standards adversely affected character-defining features of
the property and describe the alternative solutions under the CHBC, or indicate below which HPSR attachment
contains the description. If applicable, attach copies of correspondence with the SHBSB or its Executive
Director.]
HPSR form: 01-05] Page 6
u
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HISTORIC PROPERTY SURVEY REPORT
California Department of Transportation
9. HPSR PREPARATION AND DEPARTMENT APPROVAL
Prepared by: (sign on line)
District Caltrans
PQS/Generalist:
Prepared by: (sign on line)
Consultant/ discipline:
Affiliation:
Reviewed for approval by: (sign
on line)
District 5 Caltrans
PQS discipline/level
Approved by (sign on line):
District 5 EBC
HPSR form: 01-05)
PQS level and discipline]
A.
Arch~eologis · storian
Applied Earth Works, Inc., Fresno, California
Kelda Wilson
Gary Ruggerone
Environmental Branch Chief
Date
4-10-07
Date
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Date
Date
Page 7
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HISTORIC PROPERTY SURVEY REPORT
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RPSTPLE 501 6 (037 )
EA 05-4A1 954
Exhibit A
Project Vicinity
30
Railroad Safety Trail in
San Luis Obispo, California
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San Luis Obispo, CA
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Contour Interval : 40 Feet
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RPSTPLE 5016 (037)
EA 05-4A1954
Exhibit B
Project Location
Railroad Safety Trail in
San Luis Obispo, California
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C
The APE was es tab li shed as an a rea large enough to acco unt fo r direct
and indirec t effects th e project may have on potent ial hi storic properties.
The APE boundaries directly correspond to th e UPRR ROW be tween the
nort h end of th e stat ion and Paci fi c Street and measure approx im ately
2 ,250 feet (l ong) by I00-11 3 fee t wide. The project corridor passes
through a res id e ntial neighborhood , co ntaining some historical homes.
However, none of th ese buildings face th e railroad tracks , and the project
wo uld not have any direct or indirect effec t on these potentially hi storic
reso urces. Thus , these res id enti al structures are no t included in th e
APE; the architectural APE is identical to the arc haeological APE.
Grading and gro und moving ac tiviti es may ex te nd as mu ch as 3 feet
below the s urface. The APE encompasses about 6 acres.
A
HISTORIC PROPERTY SURVEY REPORT
0 100 200
Feet
f • ~ .o~
DATE
fi ·o7-
oATE
LEGEND
Railroad Safety Trail
Area of Potential Effects
I
05-SLO-O-SLO
RPSTPLE 5016 (037)
EA 05-4A 1954
Exhibit C
Area of Potential Effects
Railroad Safety Trail in
San Luis Obispo, California
EXHIBITD
Consultation with Native Americans
and Local Historical Societies/Organizations
10/25/2006 16:42 FAX 916 657 5390
STAIE OF CAUFORNTA
NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE
COMMISSION
91 S CAPITOL MALL., ROOM 364
SA~O. CA 91814
916) 653-4082
Fax (916) 657-5390
Applied Earth Works, Inc.
Sent by Fax: 559-229-2019
Number of Pages: 6
NARC
October 25, 2006
RE: Request for Search Of Sa;cred Lands Inventory File and Contact List
To WhOm This May Concern :
001/006
A record search of the sacred lands file has failed to indicate the presence of Native American
cultural resources in the Immediate project area. The absence of specific site information in the
sacred lands file does not indicate the absence of cultural resour.ces In any project area. Other
sources of cultural resources should also be contacted for information regarding known and
recorded sites.
Enclosed is a list of Native Americans individuals/organizations who may have knowledge of
cultural resources in the project area. The Commission makes no recommendation or
preference of a single individual, or group over another. This list should provide a starting place
in locating areas of potential adverse impact within the proposed project area I suggest you
contact all of those indicated, if they cannot supply information, they might recommend others
with specific knowledge. If a response has not been received within two weeks of notification,
the Commission requests that you follow-up with a telephone call to ensure that the project
information has been received.
If you receive notification of change Of addresses and phone numbers from any of these
individuals or groups, please notify me. With your assistance we are. able to assure that our
lists contain· current information. If you have any questions or need additional information,
please contact me at (916) 653-4040.
Sincerely,
Rob Wood
Environmental Specialist Ill
Mona Olivas Tucker
October 26 , 2006
RE : Cultural Resources Investigations in the City of San Luis Obispo
Dear Ms . Tucker :
5090 North Frui t Avenue
Sui te 101
Fresno. CA 93711-3064
559) 229-1856
FAX (559) 229-2019
Your name and address were provided to us by the Native American Heritage Commission, which
considers you an individual with knowledge about cultural resources in San Luis Obispo County .
The City of San Luis Obispo , in cooperation with Caltrans and the Federal Highways
Administration, proposes to construct a bike trail that will closely parallel a .25 mile stretch of the
Union Pacific Railroad in the east part of town. The trail will begin at the UP train station, proceed
north/northwest, and terminate at Marsh Street. The project area lies in T30S , R12E , Sections 26
and 35 as shown on the San Luis Obispo , Ca 7 .5' quadrangle (see attached map).
No known archaeological sites occur within the study corridor. However, the rail line passes over
San Luis Obispo Creek (considered archaeologically sensitive by the City), and numerous
prehistoric , mission period, and late-19th century historical sites have been recorded throughout the
city, particularly in the downtown area . Our investigation entails a pedestrian survey and a
historical evaluation of the two bridges within the project area.
If you have information regarding the study area or have interest in the project, please phone me or
send a letter to my attention . Your comments will be included in our archaeological survey report.
You can contact me during normal business hours (559-229-1856 , ext 23). Thank you .
Sincerely,
bl~
Project Administrator
Encl.
Northern Chumash Tribal Council
Randy Baloian
Project Administrator
Applied EarthWorks
5090 North Fruit Avenue
Suite 101
Fresno, CA 93711-3064
1177 Marsh Street, Suite 110
San Luis Obispo, California 93401
805-783-2247
November 10, 2006
Re: Bike Trail in City of San Luis Obispo .25 mile stretch paralleling the UPR
Dear Randy;
The project referenced above falls within the sphere of influence of three entities of concern.
The first issues of concern is the San Luis Obispo Creek area, Elders of our council were born in
this very area.
Second concern is the Dallidet adobe, Chumash worked to build this adobe so the possibilities of
human remains in the area are high.
Third concern is the Sphere of influence of the Mission; the Chumash lives were closely
interwoven to this area. ·
It is recommended that all Chumash artifact found be documented and reburied at the same
location or as close as possible.
It is recommended that any human remain unearthed be reburied in the same location at a depth
as to not be disturbed in the future.
Thank you for the opportunity to comment on this project we look forward to discussing any
issues with you in person.
Fred Collins
Northern Chumash Tribal Council
Please send donations made payable to: Northern Chwnash Tribal Council, Inc., A Non-Profit Corporation
Visit our Website at: ht!p://norrhcmchuma$h.org/
Applied
Earth Works
March 27, 2007
San Luis Obispo County Historical Society
P.O. Box 1397
San Luis Obispo, CA 93406 -1391
Attn.: Ron Clarke and Alan Ochs
5090 North Fr uit Avenue
Suite 101
Fresno , CA 937 11-3064
559 ) 229-1856
FAX (559) 229 -2019
RE: Cultural Resources Investigation along the Southern Pacific Railroad in San Luis Obispo
Dear Ron and Alan:
Applied EarthWorks , Inc. (JE) is providing services to the City of San Luis Obispo (City) for its
proposed Railroad Safety Trail along the Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR) in the east part of town.
The City proposed to construct a 2 ,250 foot bike path from the UPPR station parking lot to Pacific
Street (see attached map).
Our survey and research of the project area revealed three cultural resources: the Johnson Avenue
Railroad Bridge (CA-SL0-2529H), the San Luis Obispo Creek Railroad Bridge (CA-SL0-2530H),
and historical archaeological site CA-SL0-253 lH. Built in 1901 , the San Luis Obispo Creek
Railroad Bridge replaced an earlier wooden structure that carried the first train across the creek in
1894 when the Southern Pacific Railroad arrived in San Luis Obispo. Moreover, the current bridge
was probably constructed after March 1901 when the "gap" between San Francisco and Los Angeles
was finally closed. The Johnson Street Bridge was built in 1957 as part of a City project to widen
the Johnson Avenue underpass . Site CA-SL0-253 lH consists of concrete foundations associated
with the offices of the foreman , roadmaster, and engineer. All of these resources are associated with
the City's Railroad District Plan .
We would appreciate any information you have regarding the resources of about the project vicinity
in general. Specifically, we are interested whether the bridges and archaeological site possess any
important historical associations (i .e., whether they are related to a significant event or person). If
you would like to contact us, please phone me (559 -229-1856, ext 23) or send a letter to my
attention. Your comments will be included in our Historic Properties Survey Report. Thank you .
Sincerely,
Randy Baloian
Historian
CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO RAILROAD SAFETY TRAIL
CONSULTATION WITH LOCAL HISTORICAL SOCIETIES/ORGANIZATIONS
27 March 2007
4 April 2007
4 April 2007
4 April 2007
6 April 2007
l.E distributed letters soliciting information about the project area to Ron
Clarke and Alan Ochs of the San Luis Obispo County Historical Society;
Devin Gallagher of Heritage Shared; Brad LaRose of the San Luis Obispo
Railroad Museum; and Jeff Hook of the City of San Luis Obispo
Community Development Department.
l.E spoke with Ron Clarke of the San Luis Obispo County Historical
Society, who stated that someone from the society would look into the
matter. The organization was provided with a draft copy of the Historical
Resources Evaluation Report. The society has not responded as yet.
l.E spoke with Brad LaRose of the San Luis Obispo Railroad Museum.
Mr. LaRose commented that the project area in general is probably not
archaeologically sensitive and that aside from its age, the San Luis Obispo
Creek Railroad Bridge does not bear any special significance .
l.E followed-up its initial correspondence with another e-mail to Devin
Gallagher. To date, Heritage Shared has not commented on t.11e resources
within the project area.
In an e-mail response, Jeff Hook stated that he agrees with the approach of
expanding the San Luis Obispo Railroad Historic District to include the
three resources and concurs that the San Luis Obispo Creek Railroad
Bridge is a contributing element.
Archaeological Survey Report
for the
Railroad Safety Trail in the City of San Luis Obispo,
San Luis Obispo County, California
05-SLO-O-SLO
RPSTPLE-5016 (037)
EA 05-4A1954
Prepared By
Randy Baloian, M.A., Archaeologist/Historian
Applied Earth Works, Inc.
5090 N. Fruit Avenue, Suite 101, Fresno, California 93711
Submitted To
Daniel Van Beveren, Senior Civil Engineer
City of Santa Luis Obispo Department of Public Works
955 Morro Street, San Luis Obispo, California 93401
and
Gary Ruggerone, Chief, Environmental Planning Branch
California Department of Transportation
50 Higuera Street, San Luis Obispo, California 93401
USGS San Luis Obispo 7.5-min. quad.
6.5 acres
CA-SL0-2531 H (P-40-002531)
April 2007
ARCHAEOLOGICAL SURVEY REPORT
SUMMARY OF FINDINGS
The City of San Luis Obispo, in conjunction with the California Department of Transportation
Caltrans), plans to construct a bike path along the Union Pacific Railroad in the east part of
town. The current investigation surveyed a 2,500-foot corridor to determine whether
archaeological resources occur in the study area. The study also included a records search as well
as Native American consultation. The investigation revealed one historical archaeological site
containing two concrete building foundations (CA-SL0-253 lH). In addition, two historical
railroad bridges were encountered within the study area (CA-SL0-2529H and -2530H).
If cultural materials are unearthed during construction, it is Caltrans' policy that work be halted
in that area until a qualified archaeologist can assess the significance of the find. Additional
archaeological survey will be needed if project limits are extended beyond the present survey
limits.
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CONTENTS
1 INTRODUCTION .............................................................................................................. l
2 PROJECT DESCRIPTION AND LOCATION .............................................................. 1
3 SOURCES CONSULTED ................................................................................................. 2
3.1 RECORDS SEARCH .............................................................................................. 2
3.2 NATIVE AMERICAN CONSULTATION ............................................................ 2
3.3 OTHER SOURCES ................................................................................................. 3
4 BACKGROUND ................................................................................................................ 3
4.1 ENVIRONMENT .................................................................................................... 3
4.2 ETHNOGRAPHY .................................................................................................... 4
4.3 PREHISTORY ......................................................................................................... 4
4.4 HISTORY ................................................................................................................ 5
5 FIELD METHODS ............................................................................................................ 7
6 STUDY FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS ................................................................... 7
7 REFERENCES ................................................................................................................... 8
8 MAPS ................................................................................................................................ 10
MAP 1 STUDY VICINITY ............................................................................................. 11
MAP 2 STUDY LOCATION ........................................................................................... 12
MAP 3 SURVEY COVERAGE ....................................................................................... 13
APPENDICES
A Records Search Results
B Native American Consultation
C California DPR 523 Forms Documenting Archaeological Resources
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1 INTRODUCTION
The City of San Luis Obispo (City), in conjunction with the California Department of
Transportation (Caltrans) and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), plans to construct a
bike path along the Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR) in the east part of town (Map 1, Map 2).
Because the project will use federal funds, it is considered an undertaking (per 36 CFR
800.16[y]) subject to the authority of federal historic preservation law. The FHWA requires that
project proponents assist in meeting its obligations under the National Historic Preservation Act
NHPA) of 1966, as amended, to consider project effects on historic properties. In addition, the
project corridor passes over San Luis Obispo Creek, considered a sensitive area according to the
City's Archaeological Resource Preservation Guidelines (City of San Luis Obispo [City] 1995).
The purpose of the current investigation is to conduct an archaeological survey to identify
cultural resources within the study area (Map 3). The City retained Applied EarthWorks, Inc.
JE) to conduct this study. }E archaeologist/historian Randy Baloian surveyed the study area on 8
November 2006. He received a Master of Arts degree in Anthropology from the University of
California, Davis, and has more than five years experience in California archaeology and history.
2 PROJECT DESCRIPTION AND LOCATION
Pedestrians and bicyclists commonly use the UPRR right-of-way (ROW) as a convenient route
through town. Foot and cycle traffic along this corridor not only constitutes trespassing on UPRR
property but creates a safety hazard given the proximity of fast-moving trains. The installation of
a paved City path would provide a legal and safe access through this heavily used route.
The project will involve the construction of a 12-foot-wide paved Class I bike path along the
western margin of the ROW currently owned by the UPRR. The trail would extend from the
north end of the UPRR station parking lot to Pacific Street, a distance of approximately
2,250 feet. The proposed path would end near the access of an existing Class II bicycle route on
Marsh Street. The project additionally involves the construction of two clear span bicycle bridges
parallel to the railroad bridges across Johnson Avenue and San Luis Obispo Creek as well as
security fencing between the trail and the railroad tracks. Cut-slope grading and placement of
retaining walls will be necessary in segments where the ROW slants precipitously downward
from the tracks. The City plans to purchase the necessary property from the UPRR.
The project corridor crosses Sections 26 and 35 of Township 30 South, Range 12 East as shown
on the San Luis Obispo, California, U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) 7.5-minute quadrangle
Map 2). The study area for the archaeological survey encompasses the UPRR ROW, which
measures 100-113 feet wide, between the north end of the UPRR station parking lot and Marsh
Street (approximately 2,500 feet) (Map 3). The study area for the archaeological survey, which is
slightly larger than the project's Area of Potential Effects, totals about 6.5 acres.
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ARCHAEOLOGICAL SURVEY REPORT
3 SOURCES CONSULTED
3.1 RECORDS SEARCH
On 26 October 2006, the Central Coast Information Center of the California Historical Resources
Information System housed at the University of California, Santa Barbara, conducted a records
search of known archaeological and historical sites as well as previous cultural resources surveys
within a 0.25-mile radius of the project corridor. In addition to its maps and site record files, the
Information Center's search included the State Historic Property Data Files, National Register of
Historic Places, National Register of Determined Eligible Properties, California Historical
Landmarks, California Points of Historic Interest, California Office of Historic Preservation
Archaeological Determinations of Eligibility, and the Caltrans State and Local Bridge Surveys.
The results of the records search indicate that the UPRR ROW has not been subject to systematic
survey and no known cultural resources lie within the project corridor (Appendix A). The two
railroad bridges within the study area-spanning Johnson Avenue and San Luis Obispo Creek-
do not appear in the Caltrans bridge inventories nor have they been formally documented as
historical structures. Within the 0.25-mile radius, however, the Information Center identified 57
recorded resources including CA-SL0-1802, the remains of the La Loma Adobe (Parker 1996).
The remaining resources are historical residences recorded during the City's historic building
inventory (City 1983). Because the area has not been examined, the Information Center
recommended that the project corridor be surveyed for cultural resources.
3.2 NATIVE AMERICAN CONSULTATION
E contacted the Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC) on 23 October 2006 to request
a review of the sacred lands file and contact information for Native American representatives in
the project vicinity. In its 25 October response, the NAHC indicated that no known Native
American cultural resources lie within the immediate project area (Appendix B). The NAHC also
provided contact information of individuals who may have knowledge about or interest in the
project area. On 26 October 2006, }Emailed letters to Puilulaw Khus; Lei Lynn Odom; Mark
Vigil of the San Luis Obispo County Chumash Council; Shirley Macagni and John Burch of the
Salinan Tribe of Monterey, San Luis Obispo, and San Benito Counties; Peggy Odom; Mary
Trejo; Bonnie Pierce; Matthew Goldman; Mona Tucker; and Fred Collins of the Northern
Chumash Tribal Council.
In his 10 November 2006 response, Fred Collins stated that the project falls within the sphere of
influence of three entities of concern. First, the elders of the Northern Chumash Tribal Council
were born in the San Luis Obispo area. Second, the proximity of the Dallidet Adobe (less than
0.25 mile from the project corridor) increases the possibility of encountering human remains.
Lastly, mission period materials found throughout the city are often associated with the local
Chumash culture. Collins recommended that any Chumash artifacts be documented and reburied
at the same location and that human remains be reinterred at a sufficient depth to prevent
disturbance in the future.
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3.3 OTHER SOURCES
In addition to the records search and Native American consultation, Baloian gathered
supplemental documents from the San Luis Obispo County Historical Society, the Main Branch
of the San Luis Obispo City-County Library, and the San Luis Obispo County Recorder's Office.
In 1994, Caltrans evaluated the San Luis Obispo train station and found that based on its
association with the Southern Pacific Railroad, the complex is eligible for inclusion in the
National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) as a historic railroad district; the State Historic
Preservation Officer (SHPO) concurred with this determination (Pavlik 1994). The San Luis
Obispo Southern Pacific Railroad District contains existing and nonextant structures, including :
the mission-style depot built in 1943; the water tower built in 1940; an office building dating to
the 19 lOs; a warehouse built in 1894 as part of the original terminal; and a brick roundhouse,
which has since been removed . Although the original boundaries of this district did not overlap
the current study area , Caltrans (Wilson 2007) advised that the district be expanded to include
most of the project area and the resources identified in the current study.
Unrelated to the San Luis Obispo Southern Pacific Railroad District, the City adopted the
Railroad Dis trict Plan in 1998 to promote development around the train depot and to preserve
the historic character of the surrounding area. The plan lists 21 historical structures and sites,
including the existing Johnson Avenue Bridge and the nonextant Fairview Street Bridge (City
1998). Both structures lie within the study area . The boundaries of the City's district are much
larger than the NRHP historic district and extend into the adjacent residential neighborhoods.
4 BACKGROUND
4.1 ENVIRONMENT
The project corridor passes predominantly through urban neighborhoods, but the area
immediately around San Luis Obispo Creek as well as the natural state of the study vicinity is
characteristic of a typical riparian environment. The creek is the primary drainage for the area
and once supported a seasonal run of steelhead and coho salmon, which was an important protein
source for native inhabitants . Tule elk, pronghorn, and grizzly bears are no longer present, but
smaller mammals (e .g., badger, gray squirrel, rabbits) and numerous species of bird are still
attracted to the creek. Oaks , willows , sycamore , sage , and a variety of grasses still grow
throughout the area .
Native inhabitants additionally had at their disposal an array of stone materials that were adapted
for use according to the physical characteristics of each rock type. Chert occurs throughout the
Central Coast, and its hardness and workability made it the region's predominant toolstone for
fashioning projectile points , scrapers , blades , bifaces, and other implements. Dacite-a coarse
rock also found throughout the region-was well suited for the manufacture of ground stone
products like manos , metates, mortars, and pestles. Due to their relative softness and ability to
retain heat, serpentine and soapstone were shaped into ornamental goods , and cooking vessels.
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ARCHAEOLOGICAL SURVEY REPORT
4.2 ETHNOGRAPHY
San Luis Obispo is within the area historically occupied by the Obispefio Chumash, the
northernmost of the Chumash people of California (Gibson 1991; Greenwood 1978; Kroeber
1976). The Obispefio occupied land from the Pacific coast east to the Coast Ranges and from the
Santa Maria River north to approximately Point Estero. Chumash and Obispefio material culture,
social organization, traditions and rituals, and cosmology have been described by many scholars
including Blackbum (1975), Grant (1993), Greenwood (1978), Hudson and Blackburn (1982-
1987), Hudson and Underhay (1978), Hudson et al. (1978), Johnson (1988), King (1990), and
Woodman et al. (1991).
Various lines of historical and archaeological evidence indicate that the general population
density in the northern Chumash region was far less at the time of contact than in earlier
prehistoric times, and the neophyte population at Mission San Luis Obispo was never as high as
at the more southerly missions at Santa Barbara, Lompoc, and Santa Ynez (Greenwood 1978).
The Indian neophyte population at Mission San Luis Obispo reached its peak of 919 in 1803, as
most of the Obispefio abandoned their native villages and moved into the mission or its outposts.
By the time of secularization in 1834, missionization, disease, and destruction of the native
subsistence base had forced the Chumash to give up most of their traditional lifeways. Only 170
Chumash remained at the mission in 1838.
4.3 PREHISTORY
Archaeological evidence suggests that Native American use of the Central Coast region may
have begun during the late Pleistocene, as early as 9000 B.C. Evidence from this early period is
limited to a single fluted projectile point fragment discovered near Santa Margarita (Gibson
1995). More conclusive evidence of human occupation has been found at a few coastal sites
dating to the early Holocene, prior to 6500 B.C. The paucity of sites and materials from this
time, termed the Paleocoastal Period by Moratto (1984), suggests that population density was
low and settlements were impermanent. People used relatively simple technology to procure
plant foods, shellfish, and a limited array of vertebrate species (Breschini and Haversat 1982;
Carter 1941; Greenwood 1972; Jones and Waugh 1995; Jones et al. 1994; King 1990).
Well-developed shell middens, numerous milling implements, and fishing tools provide the
evidence for more intensive and settled human occupation after 6500 B.C. The period is best
defined by the predominance of hands tones and milling slabs, indicating a reliance on hard seeds
and other plant foods; flaked stone tools include leaf-shaped bifaces, oval bifacial knives,
choppers, and scrapers. Hammerstones, fishing equipment (grooved net sinkers and bipointed
gorges), and Olive/la beads round out the artifact assemblage.
Cultural changes after 3500 B.C. are thought to be a response to environmental shifts, rising sea
levels, and an increase in population. Diagnostic artifacts of this period include large side-
notched, square-stem, and contracting-stem projectile points as well as Olive/la beads. Although
milling slabs and handstones continued as the primary plant processing tools, mortars and pestles
were added to the artifact inventory, probably indicating systematic use of acorns (Glassow
1996; Glassow and Wilcoxon 1988). Trade and exchange also increased in importance, as
evidenced by exotic shell beads and obsidian materials in midden deposits (Jones et al. 1994).
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Prehistoric technology and economy became markedly more complex after 600 B.C. The artifact
assemblage contains shell fishhooks and other fishing gear, saucer-type Olivella beads, and
contracting-stem projectile points. The use of handstones and milling slabs continued during this
period, but pestles and mortars occur in greater proportions (Jones and Waugh 1995: 121). After
A.D. 500 the tomol, or plank canoe, was developed on the coast (King 1990), and the bow and
arrow were adopted in the interior. Subsistence practices emphasized fish and acorns, with
greater use of seasonal resources and the first attempts at food storage (Glassow 1996; Glassow
and Wilcoxon 1988; King 1990). Continuation of trade relationships is evident in the increased
number and diversity of obsidian items and beads.
The period after A .D. 1000 was a time of emergent political complexity, development of social
ranking, and the rapid development of craft specialization along the Santa Barbara Channel.
Similar evidence is lacking, however, in San Luis Obispo County. In this area, settlement
appears to have shifted away from the coast, perhaps reflecting adaptations to warmer
temperatures and changes in available resources (Jones et al. 1994). Artifact assemblages contain
a mixture of earlier artifact types such as stemmed projectile points , milling slabs, handstones,
bowl mortars, and Olivella beads. Moreover, the absence of imported obsidian after A.D. 1000
suggests a change in trade relationships that is likely associated with the shift in settlement
patterns (Jones et al. 1994). Native populations in San Luis Obispo County may have decreased
during this time as villages became temporary hunting camps and native inhabitants increasingly
relied on terrestrial mammals for subsistence.
4.4 HISTORY
Euro-American settlement in the area began with the establishment of Mission San Luis Obispo
de Tolosa in 1772. This site was selected for its level lands and "two little arroyos which
contained water with sufficient lands that with little trouble ... could be irrigated from them"
Palau 1926). Father Joseph Caveller quickly constructed a small wooden chapel that also served
as a shelter. In 1774, a more permanent church with adobe foundations and a superstructure of
shaved limbs and tules was erected. In 1776, a fire destroyed most of this structure as well as
many supplies. Two more fires in 1776 and 1781 caused similar destruction. Despite these
setbacks, the mission had recorded 877 baptisms and had regular surpluses of crops and livestock
by 1788, when construction of the current mission began. The friars tended a vineyard and
orchard, located southeast and northwest of the mission, respectively. In the 1790s, an auxiliary
rancho with more than 17,000 acres of prime farm land was established at Santa Margarita
Krieger 1988).
California became a Mexican territory in 1822, and beginning in the mid-1830s, secularization
redistributed the mission estates to private individuals in the form of land grants. San Luis
Obispo County was officially established at the time of California statehood in 1850. That same
year, William R. Hutton was authorized by the Court of Sessions to survey and lay out the town
of San Luis Obispo. The main street, Monterey Street, was to be 20 yards wide and all other
streets were to be 15 yards wide. This grid was laid out without respect to most standing
structures, many of which were adobe residences or decaying mission outbuildings. The new
street grid often left these older structures at odd angles to the grid, or worse, in the right-of-way
of the surveyed streets. However, many of the streets were not opened until decades after the
initial survey, so several mission and Mexican period structures remained until the 1870s. Many
Railroad Safety Trail in the City of San Luis Obispo 5
ARCHAEOLOGICAL SURVEY REPORT
settlers in the town boundaries had occupied or owned their lands since before the founding of
the county, but there was no legal documentation of title. In March of 1868, an act to settle the
title of lands in San Luis Obispo was passed by the California Legislature, and residents began
submitting land requests. In 1876, the city was incorporated .
As with any region, urban growth in San Luis Obispo County was intimately intertwined with
the development of its transportation network. In 1870 the first county road connected San Luis
Obispo and San Simeon, and a road over Cuesta Pass was constructed by 1877 (Krieger
1988:75-76). In terms of shipping, however, the most important node in the county was Port
Harford (later called Port San Luis), and for many years the large-scale import and export of
goods was handled through San Luis Obispo Bay. The bay offered a deep harbor where large
steamers could unload passengers and freight, and the high promontory of Point San Luis
shielded the port from storms, particularly in the cove just northwest of the point where John
Harford built his 540-foot pier in 1873 (Best 1992: 11-13). In 1875-1876, a group of San
Francisco investors, later organized as the Pacific Coast Steamship Company, purchased
Harford's Wharf and constructed a short railroad line beginning at San Luis Obispo Bay and
terminating in the southwest part of town (Krieger 1988:57). The railroad was extended to Los
Alamos by 1883 and eventually to the Santa Ynez Valley in 1887.
The steamship and railroad concern facilitated travel and stimulated the economy within the
region by means of the Pacific Coast Railway (PCR), but a large part of the Central Coast was
still relatively isolated from the rest of the state up to early 1890s. Much of that changed when
the Southern Pacific Railroad (SPR) rolled into San Luis Obispo in 1894. With the arrival of the
SPR, the PCR now faced competition from the unquestioned leader of the rail industry. By
1901-when the SPR reached Santa Barbara, thereby establishing a continuous line between San
Francisco and Los Angeles-passenger traffic out of Port Harford had all but evaporated (Best
1992:51 ). In terms of freight business and intra-regional passenger travel, however, the SPR and
the PCR not only coexisted for many years but formed an amicable relationship. The two
railroads coordinated their time tables to facilitate inter-rail transfers, and a spur line was built
along South Street between the PCR and SPR depots.
The SPR located its station on the eastern margins of town, just down the tracks from the Hotel
Ramona. Built in 1888, the hotel boasted over 100 rooms and hosted numerous community
events until 1905 when the building was destroyed by fire (Krieger 1988). The horse-drawn San
Luis Street Railway, which operated from 1887 to 1905, linked the two rail terminals with the
downtown area and the Hotel Ramona.
With the advent of the automobile age and the construction of U.S. Highway 101 through town,
San Luis Obispo became a favorite overnight stop for motorists traveling between the San
Francisco Bay area and southern California. Motels and car-related businesses (e.g., gas stations ,
repair shops) sprang up at both ends of the town.
The city's population swelled to 8,500 in 1926, and in the following year the National Guard
founded Camp San Luis on 2 ,000 acres. This was converted to a U.S . Army infantry and artillery
training camp between 1940 and 1941 . Perhaps the most visible growth occurred toward the end
of World War II, when military installations established in response to the war artificially
inflated the local economy. By 1944, the population had reached 16,000 people. Many of those
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soldiers returned permanently to San Luis Obispo after the war (Krieger 1988: 102-104 ), and the
city's growing population pushed out beyond the borders of town.
5 FIELD METHODS
The project corridor was surveyed on 8 November 2006 by lE archaeologist/historian Randy
Baloian and architectural historian Wendy Nettles. One 15-meter-wide transect on each side of
the railroad tracks was sufficient to cover the study area. Sensitive areas-particularly the banks
of San Luis Obispo Creek-were intensively examined for bedrock milling features, historical
trash deposits, or other archaeological remains. The area around the tracks is exposed and offers
excellent ground visibility (90-100 percent), although it appears that the ROW contains mostly
imported fill. Heavy vegetation along the creek limited visibility to 50 percent. Mounds adjacent
to the ROW and the creek bank allowed limited subsurface examination. lE personnel received
written consent from the UPRR before entering the railroad ROW.
6 STUDY FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS
The survey encountered one archaeological resource. CA-SL0-253 lH (P-40-002531) is a
historical site containing one complete concrete foundation (Feature 1) and one partially intact
concrete foundation (Feature 2). The remains lie about 30 feet from the tracks on the west side of
the UPRR ROW, about 1,000 feet north of the depot and just before the railroad converges into
one track. Feature 1 is a 20 by 16 foot concrete foundation with 6-inch-thick walls. The concrete
slab floor of the structure is still intact. A 6-foot section of foundation extends from the
northwest corner of the foundation. Feature 2 is the scant remnant of a similarly built foundation;
two 5-foot-long, 6-inch-thick walls come together to form the northeast corner of the structure.
The site encompasses approximately 600 square meters. Discarded railroad ties and other
railroad parts, which likely date to the modern period, are sparsely littered throughout the site; no
diagnostic artifacts were found. The proposed bike path will pass through the site.
The survey did not encounter any structural remains in the location formerly occupied by the
Fairview Street Bridge.
Along with CA-SL0-253 lH, the survey noted two historical bridges-the Johnson A venue
Railroad Bridge (CA-SL0-2529H; P-40-002529) and the San Luis Obispo Creek Railroad
Bridge (CA-SL0-2530H; P-40-002530). Under the advisement of Caltrans, all three historical
resources are fully documented and evaluated for NRHP eligibility in the accompanying
Historical Resources Evaluation Report (Nettles and Baloian 2006).
If cultural materials are unearthed during construction, it is Caltrans' policy that work be halted
in that area until a qualified archaeologist can assess the significance of the find. Additional
archaeological survey will be needed if project limits are extended beyond the present survey
limits.
Railroad Safety Trail in the City of San Luis Obispo 7
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7 REFERENCES
Best, Gerald M.
1992 The Pacific Coast Company. Signature Press, Wilton, California.
Blackburn, Thomas C.
1975 December's Child: A Book of Chumash Oral Narratives. University of California
Press, Berkeley.
Breschini, Gary S., and Trudy Haversat
1982 California Radiocarbon Dates. Coyote Press, Salinas, California.
Carter, George C.
1941 Archaeological Notes on a Midden at Point Sal. American Antiquity 6:214-226.
City of San Luis Obispo (City)
1983 Completion Report: Historic Resources Survey. 3 vols. Department of Community
Development, San Luis Obispo, California.
1995 Archaeological Resource Preservation Guidelines. Community Development
Department, San Luis Obispo, California.
1998 Railroad District Plan. Community Development Department, San Luis Obispo,
California.
Gibson, Robert 0.
1991 The Chumash. Chelsea House, New York and Philadelphia.
1995 Brief Notices. The Artifact 30:9-10. San Luis Obispo County Archaeological Society,
San Luis Obispo, California.
Glassow, Michael
1996 Purisimefio Chumash Prehistory: Maritime Adaptations along the Southern
California Coast. Harcourt Brace College Publishers, San Diego, California.
Glassow, Michael A., and Larry R. Wilcoxon
1988 Coastal Adaptations near Point Conception, California, with Particular Regard to
Shellfish Exploitation. American Antiquity 53:36-51.
Grant, Campbell
1993 The Rock Paintings of the Chumash. Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History and
EZ Nature Books, San Luis Obispo, California. Originally published 1965, University
of California Press.
Greenwood, Roberta S.
1972 9000 Years ofPrehistory at Diab/a Canyon, San Luis Obispo County, California. San
Luis Obispo County Archaeological Society Occasional Paper No. 7.
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1978 Obispefio and Purisimefio Chumash. In California, edited by Robert F. Heizer,
pp . 520-523. Handbook of North American Indians, vol. 8 , William C. Sturtevant,
general editor. Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C.
Hudson, Travis, and Thomas C . Blackburn
1982-The Material Culture ofthe Chumash Interaction Sphere. 5 vols. Ballena Press,
1987 Los Altos/Menlo Park, California, and Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History,
Santa Barbara, California.
Hudson, Travis, Janice Timbrook, and Melissa Rempe (editors)
1978 Torno!: Chumash Watercraft as Described in the Ethnographic Notes ofJohn P.
Harrington. Ballena Press Anthropological Papers No. 9. Los Altos, California.
Hudson, Travis, and Ernest Underhay
1978 Crystals in the Sky: An Intellectual Odyssey Involving Chumash Astronomy,
Cosmology, and Rock Art. Ballena Press Anthropological Papers 10. Socorro, New
Mexico.
Johnson, John R.
1988 Chumash Social Organization : An Ethnohistoric Perspective. Ph.D. dissertation,
Department of Anthropology, University of California, Santa Barbara .
Jones, Terry L., M. Kathleen Davis, Glenn Farris, Steven D. Grantham, Teresa W. Fung, and
Betty Rivers
1994 Towards a Prehistory of Morro Bay: Phase II Archaeological Investigations for the
Highway 41 Widening Project, San Luis Obispo County, California. Submitted to the
California Department of Transportation, Environmental Branch, San Luis Obispo,
California.
Jones, Terry L., and Georgie Waugh
1995 Central California Coastal Prehistory : A View from Little Pico Creek. In Perspectives
in California Archaeology, vol. 3, edited by Jeanne Arnold. Institute of Archaeology,
University of California, Los Angeles, California .
King, Chester D.
1990 Evolution of Chumash Society: A Comparative Study ofArtifacts Used for Social
System Maintenance in the Santa Barbara Channel Region before A.D. 1804.
Garland, New York.
Krieger, Daniel E.
1988 Looking Backward into the Middle Kingdom : San Luis Obispo County. Windsor
Publications, Northridge, California.
Kroeber, Alfred L.
1976 Handbook ofthe Indians of California. Reprinted. Dover Publications, New York.
Originally published 1925, Bureau of American Ethnology Bulletin No. 78.
Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C .
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Moratto , Michael J.
1984 California Archaeology. Academic Press , New York and London .
Nettles , Wendy M., and Randy Baloian
2006 Historical Resources Evaluation Report for the Railroad Safety Trail in the City of
San Luis Obispo, San Luis Obispo County, California . Applied Earth Works, Inc.,
Fresno, California. Submitted to the City of San Luis Obispo Public Works
Department and California Department of Transportation, San Luis Obispo.
Pal6u, Francisco
1926 Historical Memoirs ofNew California by Fray Francisco Pal6u, O.F.M Translated
and edited from the archives of New Mexico by Herbert Eugene Bolton. Atheneum
House, Boston.
Parker, John
1996 Site Record for CA-SL0-1802. On file , California Historical Resources Information
System Central Coast Information Center, University of California, Santa Barbara.
Pavlik, Robert C .
1994 Historic Architectural Survey Report, San Luis Obispo Southern Pacific Railroad
Historic District. California Department of Transportation, District 5, San Luis
Obispo.
Wilson, Kelda
2007 Section 106 Update, Railroad Safety Trail Phase III. Memorandum to Cathy Stettler,
Associate Environmental Planner. California Department of Transportation, District
5, San Luis Obispo.
Woodman, Craig F., James L. Rudolph, and Teresa P. Rudolph
8
1991 Western Chumash Prehistory: Resource Use and Settlement in the Santa Ynez River
Valley. Science Applications International Corporation, Santa Barbara, California.
Prepared for the Unocal Corporation. Submitted to U .S. Army Corps of Engineers,
Los Angeles District.
MAPS
The following maps show the study vicinity (Map 1 ), study location (Map 2), and survey
coverage (Map 3).
Railroad Safety Trail in the City of San Luis Obispo 10
n
l,
D
lJ
l
D
D
0
D
D
D
D
D
D
D
D
D
D
D
D
D
D
ARCHAEOLOGICAL SURVEY REPORT
Pacific
Ocean ·.\1
l,
I
I
r-I
A~! l ----··,
Santa I
Barbara t
Santa Barbara Channel
MAP 1 STUDY VICINITY
Railroad Safety Trail in the City of San Luis Obispo
tN
0 5 10 20
Miles
05-SLO-O-SLO
RPSTPLE 5016 (037)
EA 05-4A1954
30
11
etro ,
Radio Tower
l<II EC)
an Luis 01:>ispo ,, i ~ I
1
l
1
I
f : ....
I
j?.4
wate,.
Tani,. •.
Confidential: Not for Public Distribution
U.S.G.S. 7.5 Minute
Topographic Quadrangle
San Luis Obispo, CA
T 30 S • R 12 E
1965 , Photorevised 1979
MAP 2 STUDY LOCATION
ARCHAEOLOGICAL SURVEY REPORT
I• ... ,
0
I ,
I
Prepared by Applied Earthwo rk s, Inc.
tN
Miles
Contour Interval: 40 Feet
05-SLO-O-SLO
RPSTPLE 5016 (037)
EA 05-4A1954
Railroad Safety Trail in the City of San Luis Obispo 12
n
l
l
C
J
ARCHAEOLOGICAL SURVEY REPORT
Aerial from : Google Earth , 2006 DigitalGlobe
0
MAP 3 SURVEY COVERAGE
Railroad Safety Trail in the City of San Luis Obispo
tN
750
Feet (approximate)
05-SL0-0-SLO
RPSTPLE 5016 (037)
EA 05-4A1954
1500
13
APPENDIX A
Records Search Results
6iJi Applied
EorthWorHs
TO:
FAX NO.:
FROM:
DATE:
RE.:
FAX TRANSMISSION
FAX (559) 229-2019 Phone (559) 229-1856
Central Coastal Information Center
805-893-8707
Randy Baloian
October 23, 2006
Request for Record Search a waterline project in San Luis Obispo
Number of pages, including this cover sheet: _1
Applied EarthWorks, Inc. (.tE) is currently providing services to the City of San Luis Obispo in
support of its Railroad Safety Trail project. The City plans to construct a bike lane along the
Union Pacific Railroad and has retained .tE to perform a survey and bridge evaluation. The
project corridor extends approximately .5 miles from the UP station to Marsh Street; it lies in
T30S, R12E, Section 26 and 35 as shown on the San Luis Obispo, Ca USGS quadrangle (see
attached map).
We formally request that you search your base maps and files for known cultural resources
located within a 1/4 mile radius of the study area. In addition, please plot the survey coverage of
previous studies. We also request copies of all site records as well as a bibliography of prior
reports. Send the results and remittance to my attention at:
Applied Earth Works, Inc.
5090 North Fruit Avenue, Suite 101
Fresno, CA 93711
Call me if you have any questions. Thank you.
CENTRAL COAST INFORMATION CENTER
California
Archaeological
Inventory
10/26/2006
Randy Baloian
Applied Earthworks
5090 North Fruit Ave. Suite 101
Fresno, CA 93711
Dear Mr. Baloian,
SAN LUIS OBISPO AND
SANTA BARBARA COUNTIES
Department of Anthropology
University of California, Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, CA 93106-3210
805) 893-2474
FAX (805) 893-8707
Enclosed are the results of the record search you requested for the City of San Luis
Obispo Railroad Safety Trail Project. Our records were searched for all known
archaeological sites, historic resources, and previous cultural resource surveys within a
one quarter mile radius of the project area.
In this search, one archaeological site(s) and 23 previous cultural resource survey(s)
were found. The survey locations were mapped in colored pencil onto portions of the
San Luis Obispo quad(s). A bibliography of these surveys is included. A search of the
inventories for the State Historic Property Data Files, National Register of Historic
Places, National Register of Determined Eligible Properties, California Historical
Landmarks, California Points of Historic Interest, California OHP Archaeological
Determinations of Eligibility, and the Caltrans State and Local Bridge Surveys yielded
56 property evaluation(s) within the search radius.
According to our records, the project area has not been surveyed. Therefore a cultural
resource survey is recommended.
Please contact me if you have any questions about this search.
Sincerely,
Mark Neal
Assistant Coordinator
L
E Number 483 Date 1985 Author Hoover, R.
TIiie Archaeological Eva luation of Toro Creek Bridge Realignment
Quad San Luis Obispo
Site Negative
Area Units ReportType
E Number 719 Date 1986 Author Broc k, J.; Wan, R.
J [
Comments
Pages
Title A Cultural Resources Assessment of Selected Study Areas wi1h in the City of San Luis Obispo
Quad San Luis Ob is po
Site SL0-124, SL0-914, SL0-64
Area Units
E Number 1303 Date 1989
ReportType
Author Dills , C.
Comments
Pages
Title Letter report : archaeological potential of your property on Leff Street, San Lu is Ob ispo.
Quad San Luis Ob ispo
Site Negative; recommends monitoring footings
Area Units ReportType
Comments
Pages
E Number 1613 Date 1989 Author Cultural Resource Management Services
Title Cultural resource investigation lor Iris Street condominiums, San Luis Obispo
Quad San Lu is Obi spo
Site Negative
Area Units ReportType
E Number 2081 Date 1992 Author Dills, C.
TIiie Archaeological inve sti gation of parcel o1-238-07
Quad San Luis Ob ispo
Site Negativ e
Area 2023 sq m Units Report Type
Comments
Pages
Comments
Pages
L
E Number 2363 Date 1993 Author Gibson , Robert 0.
TIiie Inventory of Cultural Resources for the Water Reclamation Pro je ct , City of San Lu is Obispo , CA .
Quad San Luis Obispo
Site ~L(?-30 ; SL0:44 ; SL0-64; _SL0-12~; SL0-400 ; SL0-785 ; SL0-~91 ;
Area 12 linear Units ReportType
Comments
Pages
E Number 2651 Date 1983 Author City ol San Luis Obispo
Title Completion Report : Historic Resources Survey
Quad San Lu is Obispo
Site
Area Units ReportType
E Number 3062 Date 1996 Author Parker, John
Comments
Pages
J
Tille Cultural Resource Investigation of the Wolf-Adamski Parcel APN 002-325-015 Lizz ie St., San Lui s Obis po
Quad San Luis Obispo
Site La Loma Adobe Comments 8 pp.
Area 29 74 sq ft Units ReportType Pages
E Number 3211 Date 1997 Author Bertrando , Ethan and Bertrando , Bet sy
Title Proposed Multi-modal Transportion Center in the Railroad District for th e City al San Lui s Obispo : Phase 1
Archaeological and Historic Survey
Quad San Luis Ob ispo
Site negative Comments 20 pp.
Area none given Units ReportType Pages
E Number 3374 Date 1998 Author Bertrando , Ethan ; Bertrando , Betsy
Title Impact Assessment and Mitigation Proposal for the Historic South ern Pacif ic Fre ight Ware house (0150 -04C) San
Luis Obispo, CA
Quad San Luis Obispo
Site negtive Comments 25 pp.
Area none given Units Report Type Pages
E Number 3381 Date 1997 Author Parker, John
Tille Archaeological Monitoring of the Wolf-Adamski Parcel APN 002-325·015 Lizzie Street
Quad San Luis Obispo
Site negative Comments 6 pp.
Area none given Units ReportType Pages
E Number 3744 Date 1999 Author Singer, Clay
Title cuttural Resources Survey and Impact Assessment for a Residential Property at 1720 Johnson Avenue in the city
of San Luis Obispo, San Luis Obispo County, California
Quad San Luis Obispo
Site negative
Area none given Units ReportType
E Number 3934 Date 1999 Author Avina, Mike
Comments pp. 8
Pages
TIiie Cullural Resources Inventory Report for Williams Communications, Inc. Fiber Optic Cable Installation Project,
San Luis Obispo to Bakersfield Volume I
Quad Pismo Beach, San Luis Obispo, Lopez MTN, Atascadero, Templeton, Estrella, Cholame Hills, Santa Margarita
Site SL0-587, SL0-1559 Comments pp. 200+.
Area 120 flnear Units ReportType Pages
E Number 3716 Date 1995 Author Cole. Alexandra
Title Historic Property Survey Report for the Replacement of the Santa Rosa Street Bridge San Luis Obispo, Calilornia
Quad San Luis Obispo
Site negative
Area 3600 sq feet Units ReportType
E Number 3933 Date 1999 Author Conway, Thor
Comments pp. 33
Pages
Title Railroad bikeway Phase II plan review and additional Phase I Archaeological survey of the railroad bike path
project, City of San Luis Obispo, CA.
Quad San Luis Obispo
Site Negative
Area None given Units ReportType
Comments 11 pp
Pages
E Number 3888 Date 1994 Author Pavlik, Robert
Title Historic Property Survey Report for additions to the San Luis Obispo Train Station in San Luis Obispo, CA
Quad San Luis Obispo
Site Negative
Area None Given Units ReportType
E Number 4117 Date 2000 Author Conway, T.
Comments 54 pp
Pages
TIiie Phase 1 Archaeological Survey of the New Pool Area, San Luis High School, San Luis Obispo, California
Quad San Luis Obispo
Site Negative Comments 10 pp.
Area 2 acres Units ReportType Pages
E Number 4563 Date 2001 Author Bertrando, B.
TIiie Historic Resource Inventory and Preliminary Evaluation for The Frank Campbell Mitchell House p.40
041102/APN 03-541-12-000 1429 Osos Street. San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Quad San Luis Obispo
Site P-40 041102
Area < 1 Acre Units ReportType
Comments P. 19
Pages
E Number 4766 Date 2003 Author Singer, Clay A.
TIiie Cultural Resources Survey and Impact Assessment for a 0.53 Acre Property on Pismo Street in the City of San
Luis Obispo, San Luis Obispo County, CA
Quad San Luis Obispo
Site Negative Comments 5 pp.
Area .53 Units acres ReportType Survey Pages
E Number 4888 Date 2002 Author RRM Design Group
Title Historic Southern Pacific Freight Warehouse Rehabilitation Study
Quad San Luis Obispo
Site historic property
Area nol given Units
Comments •30 pp.
ReportType Historic Property Evaluation Pages
E Number 4888 Date 2002 Author Harris, Kyle
Title Historic Southern Pacific Freight Warehouse Rehabilitation Study
Quad San Luis Obispo
Site historic property Comments 30
Area n/a Units ReportType Historic Property Evaluation Pages
E Number 5053 Date 2003 Author Conway, T.
TIiie Archaeological Survey for the Del Rio Terrace Apartments Project, 2005 Johnson Avenue, San Luis Obispo, San
Luis Obispo Counly, California
Quad San Luis Obispo
Site Negative Comments 9pp.
Area 1.2 Units acres ReportType Survey Pages
E Number 5674 Date 2005 Author Bertrando, Ethan; Betsy Bertrando
Title Historic Resource Inventory of Selected Properties in the 1400 Block of Monterey and Higuera Streets Cily of San
Luis Obispo, CA: 1400 Higuera Street; 1441, 1453, 1457, and 1459 Monterey Street
Quad San Luis Obispo
Site negative Comments
Area 2 parcels Units ReportType Historic Property Evaluation Pages 15
APPENDIXB
Native American Consultation
S/i Applied
EorthWorl«
TO:
FAX NO.:
FROM:
DATE:
RE.:
FAX TRANSMISSION
FAX (559) 229-2019 Phone (559) 229-1856
Native American Heritage Commission
916) 657-5390
Randy Baloian
23 October 2006
Request for Search of Sacred Lands Inventory File and Contact List
Number of pages, including this cover sheet: ___l
Dear Mr. Wood:
Applied EarthWorks, Inc. (.tE) is currently providing cultural resource services to the City of San
Luis Obispo in support of its Railroad Safety Trail project. The city plans to construct a bike
trail along a .5 mile stretch of the Union Pacific Railroad between the UP station and Marsh
Street.
tE formally requests that you review the Sacred Lands Inventory Files for sacred or sensitive
areas that may be within or near the survey area. The project corridor lies in T30S, R12E,
Sections 26 and 35 as shown on the San Luis Obispo, CA 7.5' quadrangle (see attached map).
Additionally, we request the names and contact information of the Native American
representatives in the project vicinity in order to provide those individuals with information
regarding the project. Thank you for your assistance. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you
have questions or require further information (559-229-1856). Please FAX the results to my
attention at (559) 229-2019. Thank you.
10/25/2006 16:42 FAX 916 657 5390
STAIE GE CALIFORNIA
NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE
COMMISSION
915 CAPITOL MALI.., ~M 364
SA~O. CA 93814
916) 65J-40!!2
Fax (916) 657-S$90
Applied Earth Works, Inc.
Sent by Fax: 559-229-2019
Number of Pages: 6
NAHC
October 25, 2006
RE: Request for Search of S9:cred Lands Inventory File and Contact List
To Whom This May Concern :
141001/006
A record search of the sacred lands file has failed to indicate the presence of Native American
cultural resources in the Immediate project area. The absence of specific site information in the
sacred lands file does not indicate the absence of cultural resources In any project area. Other
sources of cultural resources should also be contacted for information regarding known and
recorded sites.
Enclosed is a list of Native Americans individuals/organizations who may have knowledge of
cultural resources in the project area. The Commission makes no recommendation or
preference of a single individual, or group over another. This list should provide a starting place
in locating areas of potential adverse impact within the proposed project area I suggest you
contact all of those indicated, if they cannot supply information, they might recommend others
with specific Knowledge. If a response has not been received within two weeks of notification,
the Commission requests that you follow-up with a telephone call to ensure that the project
information has been received.
If you receive notification of change of addresses and phone numbers from any of these
individuals or groups, please notify me. With your assistance we are. able to assure that our
lists contain· current information. If you have any questions or need additional information,
please contact me at (916) 653-4040.
Sincerely,
Rob Wood
Environmental Specialist Ill
10/25/2006 1_6: 42 FAX 916 657 5390
Beverly Salazar Folkes
NAHC
Native American Contacts
San Luis Obispo County
October 25, 2006
Santa Ynez Band of Mission Indians
Vincent Armenta, Chairperson
002/006
1931 Shadybrook Drive
Thousand Oaks , CA 91362
Chumash
Tataviam
Fernande no
P.O. Box517 Chumash
805 492-7255
Puilulaw Khus
2001 San Bernardo Creek Road· Chumash . .
Morro Bay , CA 93442
Lei Lynn Odom
1339 24th .Street
0ceano , CA · 93445
805) 489-5390
Chumash
This 11:&t Is currmt only ae of the date of this dOCument.
Santa Ynez ,CA 93460
varmenta@santaynezchun,ash.org
805) 688-7997
805) 686--9578 Fax
Julie Lynn Tumamait
365 North Pole Ave
Ojai , CA 93023
jtumamait@hotmail.com
805) 646-6214
Judith Bomar Grindstaff
63161 Argyle Road
King City , CA 93930
831) 385-3759-home
Chumash
Salinan
Distribution or a,1e •• daes not relieve any person or 8IIIIUtOry responsibllltJ as defined In Section 7050.5 of the Health and
Safety Code, Secaon 5097.~ of the PubllC Aosourcas Code and Section 6097.98 of the Publlc Resol.ll'Ce8 Code.
TN811Gt le only applleable fOf' contacting local Nattve Amettcane with regard to cultural resources for the propoeed
Flalll'Otld Safety Tran PrOJeCl, City and County ar San l.ul$ Ol)lspo.
10/25/2006 16:42 FAX 916 657 5390 NAHC
Native American Contacts
San Luis Obispo County
October 25, 2006
San Luis Obispo County Chumash Council
Chief Mark Steven Vigil Peggy Odom
1339 24th Street
Oceano
1030 Ritchie Road Chumash
Grover Beach , CA 93433
805) 481-2461 (805) 489-5390
805) 474-4729-Fax
14) 003/006
Chumash
93445
Diane Napoleone and Associates
Diane Napoleone
Salinan Tribe of Monterey, San Luis ObispO and San Benito Counties
6997 Vista del Rincon
La Conchita , CA 93001
dnaassociates@sbcglobal.net
805-643-7492
Chumash
Salinan Tribe of Monterey. San LuiG Obivp(t and San Benito Cou~
Shirley Macagni, Cultural Resources Representative
1S5Q Guadalupe Road Sall nan
Nipomo , CA 93444
805 343-1015
805 343-2726-Fax
Thi$ net IS current only as of the date i)t this documenL
John W. Burch
14650 Morro Road
Atascadero , CA 93422
jbsalinan@aol.com
805 235--2730 Cell
805 461-5192 Fax
Santa Ynez Tribal Elders Council
Adelina Alva-Padilla, Chair Woman
P.O. BOX365
Sant~ Ynez ,CA 93460
elders@santaynezchumash.org
805) 688-8446
805) 693-1768 FAX
Salinan
Chumash
Distribution of u,19 list does not ralleve any person or 5tatl.ltOly responsibility as deflned In section 7050.5 otthe Health and
Safety Code, Section 5097.94 of the Publlc Fleeolll'Ce$ Co&> and~ 5097.98 of the P\11)11¢ ~ Code.
Thi$ !1st la only aDDllcable for contacting loeal NatJw Americans with regal'd to cultural resources tor tt1e proposed
Rallroacl S81ety Trall ProJecl:, City and County of San Luis Obispo. .
10/25/2006 16:42 FAX 916 657 5390 NAHC
Randy Guzman • Folkes
3044 East Street
Simi. Valley , CA 93065-3929
randyfolkes@sbcglobal.net
805) 579-9206
805) 501-5279 (cell)
Native American Contacts
san Luis Obispo County
October 25, 2006
Chumash
Fernandefio
Tataviam
Shoshone Paiute
Yaqui
Xolon Salinan Tribe
Donna Haro
11 O Jefferson Street
Bay Point , CA 94565
DMARIE~H@prodigy.net
925) 709-6714
925) 458-0341 FAX
141004/006
Salinan
Mary E:. Trajo · ·
P.O. Box469
Salinan Tribe of Monterey. San Luis Obis,x, and San Benito Counties
Bonnie Pierce
Chumash·/
Santa Margarita , CA 93453
805) ~-4280
Salinan Nation Cultural Preservation Assoc.iation
Doug Alger, Cultural Resources Coordinator
PO Box 56 SaJinan
Lockwood , CA 93932
fabbq2000@earthlink.net
831) 262-9829 -cell
831 ) 385·3450
This HIit Is curtent o~ty ,e of the date of this document.
440 Highland Drive
Los Osos , CA 93402
805 528-1362 -
Home
Salinai'l. Nation Cultural Preservation Association
Robert Duckworth, Environmental Coordinator
Drawer2447 Salinan
Greenfield , CA 93927
dirobduck@thegrid.net
831) 385-1882
831) 674-5019
DlstrtbUllon of this list does not relieve any person Of statutory reepo1181blllty • defined In Seetton 7050.5 of the Neallh and
81-ty Code, Section 5097.94 of the Publlc RnOuteee Code •ncs &aicllon 5097.98 of the Publ!D Resources Code.
T.hfs llet 18 only applleable for contRtll'IS local NaUve Americans with regard to cultural resoutcee fOI' the proposed
Flellroact 5efetY Trail Projeet, City and County of San Luis Obispo. .
10/25/2006 16:42 FAX 916 657 5390 NAHC
Native American Contacts
San Luis Obispo County
October 25, 2006
Salinan Nation Cuttural Preservation Association
Jose Freeman, President
14] 005/006
15200 County Road, 968 Salinan
Mona Olivas Tucker
660 Camino Del Rey Chumash
Woodland , CA 95695
josefree@ccio1.com
530). 662-5316
Matthew Darian Goldman
660 Camino Del Rey
Arroyo Grande , CA 93420
805) 550-0461
Home
Chumash
Salinan Nation Cultural Preservation AS$0Ciation
Gregg Castro, Administrator
5225 Roeder Road Salinan
San Jose , CA 95111
glcastro@pacbell.net
408) 884-4115
Thi$ 11st Is cuffl!ll'lt only as of the date at this document.
Arroyo Grande , CA 93420
805) 489-1052
Home
Santa Ynez Band of Mission Indians
Sam Cohen, Tribal Administrator
P.O. Box 517 Chumash
Santa Ynez , CA 93460
805) 688-7997
805) 686-9578 Fax
Salinan-Chumash Nation
Xielolixii
3901 a Street, Suite 31B
Bakersfield , CA 93301
xielolixii@yahoo.com
661-864-1295
408-966-8807 -cell
Sallnan
Chumash
Of U'll8 11st dOeG oot relieve any person Of 81atutory responsibility as defined In Section 7050.5 of the Health and
Safety Code, Section 5097_94 Qf the Publlc Aeeollr'Ce$ COde arld sectlOn 5097.98 ot the Publle Resources Code.
This list Is only appJlcable for con1ac:Ung loeal NaHve Americans wHh regard to cultural resources for the proposed
Railroad Safety Tran ProJeet, Clly and County of San Luis Obispo. ' .
10/25/2006 16:42 FAX 916 657 5390 NAHC
Native American Contacts
San Luis Obispo County
October25,2006
Northern Chum$sh Tribal Council
Fred Collins, Spokesperson
1177 Marsh Street. Suite 11 O
San Luis Ot'.llspo , CA ~401
Chumash
805) 801-0347 (Cell)
Thlt 11st 1s cl#l'ent only as or tl'le date Of tnl9 oocument.
Dla1rlbUIIOn ttl •• ltst does na1 rallllve any person of stalUlory 1Npanslblllty as deftned In Saatlan 7050.5 ot 1he Health and
Safely Coda, Sadlon 5097JM ot th9 Public Rlllrourms Code and Seallon 5097.98 ot the Public Resourms Code.
l Thia Hat 18 only applleable ror contacllf.!9 local Native America• Wltll ,egard to cultural ,esou,cea ror tne proposed
RaUroed S8faly Trail Pl'O)act, City and County ot San Luis Obispo.
141006/006
m;,~"'!;,~-!lli\-; ---
i{t,-4 .
ttfi Apµ1!..u Eorth
Works· October 26, 2006 Puilulaw
Khus 2001
San Bernardo Creek Road Morro
Bay, CA 93442 RE:
Cultural Resources Investigations in the City of San Luis Obispo Dear
Ms. Khus: 5090
North Fruit Avenue Suite
10·1 Fresno,
CA 93711-3064 559)
229-i 856 FAX (
559) 229-2019 Your
name and address were provided to us by the Native American Heritage Commission, which
considers you an individual with knowledge about cultural resources in San Luis Obispo County.
The
City of San Luis Obispo, in cooperation with Caltrans and the Federal Highways Administration,
proposes to construct a bike trail that will closely parallel a .25 mile stretch of the
Union Pacific Railroad in the east part of town. The trail will begin at the UP train station, proceed
north/northwest, and terminate at Marsh Street. The project area lies in T30S, R12E, Sections
26 and 35 as shown on the San Luis Obispo, Ca 7.5' quadrangle (see attached map). No
known archaeological sites occur within the study corridor. However, the rail line passes over
San Luis Obispo Creek (considered archaeologically sensitive by the City), and numerous prehistoric,
mission period, and late-19th century historical sites have been recorded throughout the
city, particularly in the downtown area. Our investigation entails a pedestrian survey and a historical
evaluation of the two bridges within the project area. If
you have information regarding the study area or have interest in the project, please phone me or
send a letter to my attention. Your comments will be included in our archaeological survey report.
You can contact me during normal business hours (559-229-1856, ext 23). Thank you. Encl.
Sincerely,
13J_:__
Randy
Bgoian Project
Administrator
Peggy Odom
1339 24th Street
Oceano, CA 93445
October 26, 2006
RE: Cultural Resources Investigations in the City of San Luis Obispo
Dear Ms. Odom:
5090 North Fruit Avenue
Suite 101
Fresno, CA 93711-3064
559) 229-1 856
FAX (559) 229-2019
Your name and address were provided to us by the Native American Heritage Commission,
which considers you an individual with knowledge about cultural resources in San Luis Obispo
County.
The City of San Luis Obispo, in cooperation with Caltrans and the Federal Highways
Administration, proposes to construct a bike trail that will closely parallel a .25 mile stretch of
the Union Pacific Railroad in the east part of town. The trail will begin at the UP train station,
proceed north/northwest, and terminate at Marsh Street. The project area lies in T30S, Rl 2E,
Sections 26 and 35 as shown on the San Luis Obispo, Ca 7.5' quadrangle (see attached map).
No known archaeological sites occur within the study corridor. However, the rail line passes
over San Luis Obispo Creek (considered archaeologically sensitive by the City), and numerous
prehistoric, mission period, and late-19th century historical sites have been recorded throughout
the city, particularly in the downtown area. Our investigation entails a pedestrian survey and a
historical evaluation of the two bridges within the project area.
If you have information regarding the study area or have interest in the project, please phone me
or send a letter to my attention. Your comments will be included in our archaeological survey
report. You can contact me during normal business hours (559-229-1856, ext 23). Thank you.
Encl.
Sincerely,
3,v{_:___
andy Bagian
Project Administrator
5090 North Fruit Avenue
Suite 101
Fresno, CA 93711-3064
559) 229-1856
l\t;m,m:;~~~Jit'!\';Pc!'; ________________________ ..:.._F:_::AX~(So::.::~9'.!....) :::'.22::::9:...:-2:::.0.:.::19'....___
Lei Lynn Odom
1339 24th Street
Oceano, CA 93445
October 26, 2006
RE: Cultural Resources Investigations in the City of San Luis Obispo
Dear Ms. Odom:
Your name and address were provided to us by the Native American Heritage Commission,
which considers you an individual with knowledge about cultural resources in San Luis Obispo
County.
The City of San Luis Obispo, in cooperation with Caltrans and the Federal Highways
Administration, proposes to construct a bike trail that will closely parallel a .25 mile stretch of
the Union Pacific Railroad in the east part of town. The trail will begin at the UP train station,
proceed north/northwest, and terminate at Marsh Street. The project area lies in T30S, RI2E,
Sections 26 and 35 as shown on the San Luis Obispo, Ca 7.5' quadrangle (see attached map).
No known archaeological sites occur within the study corridor. However, the rail line passes
over San Luis Obispo Creek (considered archaeologically sensitive by the City), and numerous
prehistoric, mission period, and late-19th century historical sites have been recorded throughout
the city, particularly in the downtown area. Our investigation entails a pedestrian survey and a
historical evaluation of the two bridges within the project area.
If you have information regarding the study area or have interest in the project, please phone me
or send a letter to my attention. Your comments will be included in our archaeological survey
report. You can contact me during normal business hours (559-229-1856, ext 23). Thank you.
Encl.
Sincerely,
andy Ba~ian
Project Administrator
Applied
EorthWorks·
San Luis Obispo County Chumash Council
Chief Mark Steven Vigil
1030 Ritchie Road
Grover Beach, CA 93433
October 26, 2006
RE: Cultural Resources Investigations in the City of San Luis Obispo
Dear Mr. Vigil:
5090 North Fruii Avenue
Suite -J01
Fresno, CA 937·11-3064
559) 229-1856
FAX (559) 229-2019
Your name and address were provided to us by the Native American Heritage Commission,
which considers you an individual with knowledge about cultural resources in San Luis Obispo
County.
The City of San Luis Obispo, in cooperation with Caltrans and the Federal Highways
Administration, proposes to construct a bike trail that will closely parallel a .25 mile stretch of
the Union Pacific Railroad in the east part of town. The trail will begin at the UP train station,
proceed north/northwest, and terminate at Marsh Street. The project area lies in T30S, R12E,
Sections 26 and 35 as shown on the San Luis Obispo, Ca 7.5' quadrangle (see attached map).
No known archaeological sites occur within the study corridor. However, the rail line passes
over San Luis Obispo Creek (considered archaeologically sensitive by the City), and numerous
prehistoric, mission period, and late-19th century historical sites have been recorded throughout
the city, particularly in the downtown area. Our investigation entails a pedestrian survey and a
historical evaluation of the two bridges within the project area.
If you have information regarding the study area or have interest in the project, please phone me
or send a letter to my attention. Your comments will be included in our archaeological survey
report. You can contact me during normal business hours (559-229-1856, ext 23). Thank you.
Encl.
Sincerely,
andy BaYoian
Project Administrator
October 26, 2006
Salinan Tribe of Monterey, San Luis Obispo, and San Benito Counties
Shirley Macagni, Cultural Resources Representative
1550 Guadalupe Road
Nipomo, CA 93444
RE: Cultural Resources Investigations in the City of San Luis Obispo
Dear Ms. Macagni:
5090 North Fruit Avenue
Suite 101
Fresno, CA 937"11-3064
559) 229-1856
FAX (559) 229-2019
Your name and address were provided to us by the Native American Heritage Commission,
which considers you an individual with knowledge about cultural resources in San Luis Obispo
County.
The City of San Luis Obispo, in cooperation with Caltrans and the Federal Highways
Administration, proposes to construct a bike trail that will closely parallel a .25 mile stretch of
the Union Pacific Railroad in the east part of town. The trail will begin at the UP train station,
proceed north/northwest, and terminate at Marsh Street. The project area lies in T30S, RI 2E,
Sections 26 and 35 as shown on the San Luis Obispo, Ca 7.5' quadrangle (see attached map).
No known archaeological sites occur within the study corridor. However, the rail line passes
over San Luis Obispo Creek ( considered archaeologically sensitive by the City), and numerous
prehistoric, mission period, and late-19th century historical sites have been recorded throughout
the city, particularly in the downtown area. Our investigation entails a pedestrian survey and a
historical evaluation of the two bridges within the project area.
If you have information regarding the study area or have interest in the project, please phone me
or send a letter to my attention. Your comments will be included in our archaeological survey
report. You can contact me during normal business hours (559-229-1856, ext 23). Thank you.
Sincerely,
dyBa"an
Project Administrator
Encl.
October 26, 2006
Salinan Tribe of Monterey, San Luis Obispo, and San Benito Counties
John W. Burch
14650 Morro Road
Atascadero, CA 93422
RE: Cultural Resources Investigations in the City of San Luis Obispo
Dear Mr. Burch:
5090 Nortr, Fruit Avenue
Suite 101
Fresno, CA 93711-3064
559) 229-1856
FAX (559) 229-20"19
Your name and address were provided to us by the Native American Heritage Commission,
which considers you an individual with knowledge about cultural resources in San Luis Obispo
County.
The City of San Luis Obispo, in cooperation with Caltrans and the Federal Highways
Administration, proposes to construct a bike trail that will closely parallel a .25 mile stretch of
the Union Pacific Railroad in the east part of town. The trail will begin at the UP train station,
proceed north/northwest, and terminate at Marsh Street. The project area lies in T30S, R12E,
Sections 26 and 35 as shown on the San Luis Obispo, Ca 7.5' quadrangle (see attached map).
No known archaeological sites occur within the study corridor. However, the rail line passes
over San Luis Obispo Creek (considered archaeologically sensitive by the City), and numerous
prehistoric, mission period, and late-19th century historical sites have been recorded throughout
the city, particularly in the downtown area. Our investigation entails a pedestrian survey and a
historical evaluation of the two bridges within the project area.
If you have information regarding the study area or have interest in the project, please phone me
or send a letter to my attention. Your comments will be included in our archaeological survey
report. You can contact me during normal business hours (559-229-1856, ext 23). Thank you.
Encl.
Sincerely,
andy BalQan
Project Administrator
Mary E. Trejo
P.O. Box469
Santa Margarita, CA 93453
October 26, 2006
RE: Cultural Resources Investigations in the City of San Luis Obispo
Dear Ms. Trejo:
5090 North Fruii Avenue
Suite 101
Fresno, CA 93711-3064
559) 229-1856
FA/ (559) 229-2019
Your name and address were provided to us by the Native American Heritage Commission,
which considers you an individual with knowledge about cultural resources in San Luis Obispo
County.
The City of San Luis Obispo, in cooperation with Caltrans and the Federal Highways
Administration, proposes to construct a bike trail that will closely parallel a .25 mile stretch of
the Union Pacific Railroad in the east part oftown. The trail will begin at the UP train station,
proceed north/northwest, and terminate at Marsh Street. The project area lies in T30S, Rl2E,
Sections 26 and 35 as shown on the San Luis Obispo, Ca 7.5' quadrangle (see attached map).
No known archaeological sites occur within the study corridor. However, the rail line passes
over San Luis Obispo Creek (considered archaeologically sensitive by the City), and numerous
prehistoric, mission period, and late-19th century historical sites have been recorded throughout
the city, particularly in the downtown area. Our investigation entails a pedestrian survey and a
historical evaluation of the two bridges within the project area.
If you have information regarding the study area or have interest in the project, please phone me
or send a letter to my attention. Your comments will be included in our archaeological survey
report. You can contact me during normal business hours (559-229-1856, ext 23). Thank you.
Sincerely,
dyBJ,/an
1
Project Administrator
Encl.
Bonnie Pierce
440 Highland Drive
Los Osos, CA 93402
October 26, 2006
RE: Cultural Resources Investigations in the City of San Luis Obispo
Dear Ms. Pierce:
5090 f'.Jorth Fruit Avenue
Suite 101
Fresno, CA 937·11-3064
559) 229-1856
FAX (559) 229-?0"19
Your name and address were provided to us by the Native American Heritage Commission,
which considers you an individual with knowledge about cultural resources in San Luis Obispo
County.
The City of San Luis Obispo, in cooperation with Caltrans and the Federal Highways
Administration, proposes to construct a bike trail that will closely parallel a .25 mile stretch of
the Union Pacific Railroad in the east part of town. The trail will begin at the UP train station,
proceed north/northwest, and terminate at Marsh Street. The project area lies in T30S, R12E,
Sections 26 and 35 as shown on the San Luis Obispo, Ca 7.5' quadrangle (see attached map).
No known archaeological sites occur within the study corridor. However, the rail line passes
over San Luis Obispo Creek (considered archaeologically sensitive by the City), and numerous
prehistoric, mission period, and late-19th century historical sites have been recorded throughout
the city, particularly in the downtown area. Our investigation entails a pedestrian survey and a
historical evaluation of the two bridges within the project area.
If you have information regarding the study area or have interest in the project, please phone me
or send a letter to my attention. Your comments will be included in our archaeological survey
report. You can contact me during normal business hours (559-229-1856, ext 23). Thank you.
Sincerely,
13-vL-
andy B(/oian
Project Administrator
Encl.
5090 f\iorth Fruit Avenue
Suite 101
Fresno, CA 9371 ·1-3064
559) 229-i 8.'56
i=A~-(.559) 228-20·19
Mona Olivas Tucker
660 Camino Del Rey
Arroyo Grande, CA 93420
October 26, 2006
RE: Cultural Resources Investigations in the City of San Luis Obispo
Dear Ms. Tucker:
Your name and address were provided to us by the Native American Heritage Commission,
which considers you an individual with knowledge about cultural resources in San Luis Obispo
County.
The City of San Luis Obispo, in cooperation with Caltrans and the Federal Highways
Administration, proposes to construct a bike trail that will closely parallel a .25 mile stretch of
the Union Pacific Railroad in the east part of town. The trail will begin at the UP train station,
proceed north/northwest, and terminate at Marsh Street. The project area lies in T30S, R12E,
Sections 26 and 35 as shown on the San Luis Obispo, Ca 7.5' quadrangle (see attached map).
No known archaeological sites occur within the study corridor. However, the rail line passes
over San Luis Obispo Creek (considered archaeologically sensitive by the City), and numerous
prehistoric, mission period, and late-19th century historical sites have been recorded throughout
the city, particularly in the downtown area. Our investigation entails a pedestrian survey and a
historical evaluation of the two bridges within the project area.
If you have information regarding the study area or have interest in the project, please phone me
or send a letter to my attention. Your comments will be included in our archaeological survey
report. You can contact me during normal business hours (559-229-1856, ext 23). Thank you.
Encl.
Sincerely,
1~
Randy B~oian
Project Administrator
Matthew Darian Goldman
660 Camino Del Rey
Arroyo Grande, CA 93420
October 26, 2006
RE: Cultural Resources Investigations in the City of San Luis Obispo
Dear Mr. Goldman:
5090 North Fruii Avenue
Suite 101
Fresno, CA 93711-3064
559) 229-"l 856
FAX (559) 229-2019
Your name and address were provided to us by the Native American Heritage Commission,
which considers you an individual with knowledge about cultural resources in San Luis Obispo
County.
The City of San Luis Obispo, in cooperation with Caltrans and the Federal Highways
Administration, proposes to construct a bike trail that will closely parallel a .25 mile stretch of
the Union Pacific Railroad in the east part of town. The trail will begin at the UP train station,
proceed north/northwest, and terminate at Marsh Street. The project area lies in T30S, R12E,
Sections 26 and 35 as shown on the San Luis Obispo, Ca 7.5' quadrangle (see attached map).
No known archaeological sites occur within the study corridor. However, the rail line passes
over San Luis Obispo Creek ( considered archaeologically sensitive by the City), and numerous
prehistoric, mission period, and late-19th century historical sites have been recorded throughout
the city, particularly in the downtown area. Our investigation entails a pedestrian survey and a
historical evaluation of the two bridges within the project area.
If you have information regarding the study area or have interest in the project, please phone me
or send a letter to my attention. Your comments will be included in our archaeological survey
report. You can contact me during normal business hours (559-229-1856, ext 23). Thank you.
Encl.
Sincerely,
Randy BalM'an
Project Administrator
Northern Chumash Tribal Council
Fred Collins
1177 Marsh Street, Suite 110
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
October 26, 2006
RE: Cultural Resources Investigations in the City of San Luis Obispo
Dear Mr. Collins:
Your name and address were provided to us by the Native American Heritage Commission,
which considers you an individual with knowledge about cultural resources in San Luis Obispo
County.
The City of San Luis Obispo, in cooperation with Caltrans and the Federal Highways
Administration, proposes to construct a bike trail that will closely parallel a .25 mile stretch of
the Union Pacific Railroad in the east part of town. The trail will begin at the UP train station,
proceed north/northwest, and terminate at Marsh Street. The project area lies in T30S, R12E,
Sections 26 and 35 as shown on the San Luis Obispo, Ca 7.5' quadrangle (see attached map).
No known archaeological sites occur within the study corridor. However, the rail line passes
over San Luis Obispo Creek (considered archaeologically sensitive by the City), and numerous
prehistoric, mission period, and late-19th century historical sites have been recorded throughout
the city, particularly in the downtown area. Our investigation entails a pedestrian survey and a
historical evaluation of the two bridges within the project area.
If you have information regarding the study area or have interest in the project, please phone me
or send a letter to my attention. Your comments will be included in our archaeological survey
report. You can contact me during normal business hours (559-229-1856, ext 23). Thank you.
Encl.
Sincerely,
J~
Randy Baloian
Project Administrator
Northern Chumash Tribal Council
Randy Baloian
Project Administrator
Applied EarthWorks
5090 North Fruit Avenue
Suite 101
Fresno, CA 93711-3064
1177 Marsh Street, Suite 110
San Luis Obispo, California 93401
805-783-224 7
November 10, 2006
Re: Bike Trail in City of San Luis Obispo .25 mile stretch paralleling the UPR
Dear Randy;
The project referenced above falls within the sphere of influence of three entities of concern.
The first issues of concern is the San Luis Obispo Creek area, Elders of our council were born in
this very area.
Second concern is the Dallidet adobe, Chumash worked to build this adobe so the possibilities of
human remains in the area are high.
Third concern is the Sphere of influence of the Mission; the Chumash lives were closely
interwoven to this area
It is recommended that all Chumash artifact found be documented and reburied at the same
location or as close as possible.
It is recommended that any human remain unearthed be reburied in the same location at a depth
as to not be disturbed in the future.
Thank you for the opportunity to comment on this project we look forward to discussing any
issues with you in person.
Fred Collins
Northern Chumash Tribal Council
Please send donations made payable to: Northern Chumash Tribal Council, Inc., A Non-Profit Corporation
Visit our Website at: htq:,://norrhcn1chumash.org/
APPENDIXC
California DPR 523 Forms
Documenting Archaeological Resources
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DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION
PRIMARY RECORD
Page 1 of 4 Other Listings
Review Code
P1. Temporary Number/Resource Name: WR-lH
P2. Location: a. County: San Luis Obispo
b. USGS 7.5' Quad: San Luis Obispo, CA
c. Address:
Primary# P-40-002531
HRI#
Trinomial CA-SL0-253 lH
NRHP Status Code 6Z
Reviewer Date
Not for Publication D Unrestricted
Date 1965 (revised 1994) T30S, Rl2E; Sections 26 and 35
Mt. Diablo B.M.
d. UTM: NAO 27, Zone 10; 713450 mE / 3906250 mN
e. Other Locational Data: From the Amtrak train depot in San Luis Obispo, proceed north along the west side of the
track for approximately 1,000 feet. The site lies about 30 feet west (left) of the tracks .
P3a. Description: This historical site contains one complete concrete foundation and one partially intact concrete
foundation. The features represent the remains of tool houses and a telephone shanty, which were part of the Southern
Pacific Railroad San Luis Obispo station ..
P3b. Resource Attributes: (List attributes and codes) AH2 (structural foundations)
P4. Resources Present: D Building D Structure D Object • Site D District D Element of Distr ict D Other:
P5. Photograph or Drawing (photograph required for buildings, structures, and objects): Feature 1, facing northwest.
P6. Date Constructed/Age:
D Prehistoric
Historic
D Both
P7. Owner and Address:
Union Pacific Railroad
340 Guadalupe Street
Guadalupe, CA 93434
PB. Recorded By: R. Baloian
Applied Earth Works, Inc.
5090 N. Fruit Ave. #10 1
Fresno, CA 93711
P9. Date Recorded: 11/8/06
P10. Survey Type:
Intensive
D Reconnaissance
D Other
Describe: Survey for
proposed bicycle and
pedestrian path.
P11. Report Citation:
Baloian, Randy
2007 Archaeological Survey Report for the Railroad Safety Bike Trail in the City of San Luis Obispo, San Luis
Obispo County, California. Applied Earth Works, Inc., Fresno, California. Submitted to the City of San
Luis Obispo Department of Public Works and California Department of Transportation, San Luis Obispo.
Nettles, Wendy M., and Randy Baloian
2007 Historical Resources Evaluation Report for the Railroad Safety Trail in the City of San Luis Obispo, San
Luis Obispo County, California. Applied Earth Works, Inc ., Fresno, California. Submitted to the City of San
Luis Obispo Department of Public Works and California Department of Transportation, San Luis Obispo.
Attachments: D NONE
DPR 523A (1/95)
D Building , Structure ,
and Object Record
D Photograph Record
Location Map
Archaeological Record
D Milling Station Record
D Other (list):
Site/Sketch Map
D District Record
D Rock Art Record
D Continuation Sheet
D Linear Feature Record
D Artifact Record
Primary.doc[8-5-04]
State of California -The Resources Agency
DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION
ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE RECORD
Page 2 of 4
Temporary Number/Resource Name: WR-lH
Primary#
HRI #/Trinomial
A1. Dimensions: a. Length 60 meters (N/S) x b. Width 10 meters (E/W)
Method of Measurement: • Paced D Taped D Visual estimate D Other:
P-40-002531
CA-SL0-2531H
Method of Determination (check any that apply): D Artifacts • Features D Soil D Vegetation
D Topography D Cut bank D Animal burrow D Excavation D Property boundary
D Other (explain):
Reliability of Determination: D High • Medium Dlow Explain: Other features may exist but are not exposed.
Limitations (check any that apply): D Restricted access D Paved/built over D Disturbances
D Site limits incompletely defined • Other Explain: Surface examination only.
A2. Depth: 1-2 feet D None D Unknown
Method of determination: Estimated depth of features.
A3. Human Remains: D Present • Absent D Possible D Unknown (explain):
A4. Features (Number, describe, indicate size, list associated cultural constituents, and show location of each on sketch map):
Feature 1 is a 20 by 16 foot concrete foundation with 6-inch-thick walls. The concrete slab floor of the structure is still
intact. A 6-foot section extends from the northwest corner of the foundation; it is not apparent whether this section
supported an exterior wall or was the part of an adjoining room. Feature 2 is the scant remnant of a similarly built
foundation-two 5-foot-long, 6-inch-thick walls come together to form the northeast corner of the structure.
A5. Cultural Constituents (not associated with features): Discarded railroad ties and other railroad parts are sparsely
scattered throughout the site; it is unlikely that these items are historical.
A6. Were Specimens Collected? • No D Yes (If yes, attached Artifact Record or catalog.)
A7. Site Condition: D Good • Fair D Poor D Disturbances:
AB. Nearest Water (type, distance, and direction): The closest natural water source is San Luis Obispo Creek, located
approximately 1,250 feet north along the railroad tracks.
A9. Elevation: 240 feet amsl.
A10. Environmental Setting (vegetation, fauna, soils, geology, landform, slope, aspect, exposure, etc.): Prior to
urbanization, the San Luis Obispo area was characteristic of a riparian habitat. This natural setting is currently limited
to the banks of San Luis Obispo Creek. The site lies within the right-of-way of the Union Pacific Railroad and is
surrounded by a residential neighborhood. The ground is fairly level, and the soil appears to be imported fill.
A11. Historical Information (full citations in A15 below): The locations of foundations undoubtedly correspond to the
telephone shanty and tool houses depicted on the 1952 map of the San Luis Obispo Depot (Signor 1994:218-219). A
contemporaneous photograph shows the tool houses were simple utilitarian buildings with no windows and medium-
pitched roofs (Signor 1994:213). They were probably built ca. 1930-1950 and removed in the mid-to-late 1950s.
A12. Age: D Prehistoric D Protohistoric D 1542-1769 D 1769-1848 D 1848-1880 D 1880-1914 • 1914-1945
D Post 1945 D Undetermined Describe position in regional prehistoric chronology or factual historic dates if known:
A 13. Interpretations: Because of its direct association with the railroad depot, the site is included as a resource in the San
Luis Obispo Railroad Historic District. The virtual absence of historical artifacts on the surface suggests that the site
lacks significant subsurface deposits. Given the limited information potential, it does not appear to be eligible for the
NRHP under Criterion D, nor does it contribute to the significance of the historic district.
A14. Remarks: A proposed bicycle and pedestrian path will be constructed through the site.
A15. References: Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps; San Luis Obispo County Historical Society; Signor, John R. 1994.
Southern Pacific's Coast Line. Signature Press, Wilton, California.
A16. Photographs:
Original media/negatives kept at: Applied Earth Works, Inc., Fresno, CA
A17. Form Prepared By: Randy Baloian Date: November 8, 2006
Affiliation and Address: Applied Earth Works, Inc., 5090 N. Fruit Ave., Suite 101, Fresno, CA 93711
DPR 523C (1/95) *Required Information
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DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION
LOC ATION MAP
Page 3 of 4
Temporary Num ber/Resource Name: WR-lH
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Confidential: Not fo r P ub lic Distribut ion
U.S.G.S . 7.5 Minute
Topog raphic Quadrangle
San Luis Obispo , CA
T 30 S -R 12 E
1965, Photorevised 1979
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State of California -The Resources Agency
DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION
SKETCH MAP
Page 4of4
Temporary Number/Resource Name: WR-lH
DPR 523K (1/95)
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Field Map: R. Baloian -11/MAY/06
Final Map: L. Meckstroth -16/NOV/06
20
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Contour Interval: 3 Feet
Approximately)
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Historical Resources Evaluation Report
for the
Railroad Safety Trail in the City of San Luis Obispo,
San Luis Obispo County, California
05-SLO-O-SLO
RPSTPLE-5016 (037)
EA 05-4A1954
Prepared By
Wendy M. Nettles (M.A., RPA), Historical Archaeologist/Architectural Historian,
and Randy Baloian (M.A.), Archaeologist/Historian
Applied Earth Works, Inc.
5090 N. Fruit Avenue, Suite 101, Fresno, California 93711
Submitted To
Daniel Van Beveren, Senior Civil Engineer
City of Santa Luis Obispo Department of Public Works
955 Morro Street, San Luis Obispo, California 93401
and
Gary Ruggerone, Chief, Environmental Planning
California Department of Transportation
50 Higuera Street, San Luis Obispo, California 93401
April 2007
HISTORICAL RESOURCES EVALUATION REPORT
SUMMARY OF FINDINGS
The City of San Luis Obispo, in conjunction with the California Department of Transportation
and the Federal Highway Administration, plans to construct a bike path along the Union Pacific
Railroad (formerly the Southern Pacific Railroad) in the east part of town. One historical
archaeological site (CA-SL0-253 lH) and two historical bridges (CA-SL0-2529H and -2530H)
lie within the project's Area of Potential Effects. The resources are associated with the Coast
Line of the Southern Pacific Railroad, which was completed in 1901. Throughout the first half of
the twentieth century, the Coast Line served to stimulate the economy and social life of San Luis
Obispo and other towns along its route. The three resources were evaluated with reference to the
history of the Coast Line of the Southern Pacific Railroad and by applying the eligibility criteria
of the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP).
Based on a lack of information potential, the archaeological site (CA-SL0-253 lH) appears to be
ineligible for the NRHP. One bridge (CA-SL0-2529H) does not appear to be NRHP eligible,
while the other (CA-SL0-2530H) possess historical associations that would qualify it as a
contributor to the San Luis Obispo Railroad Historic District.
Railroad Safety Trail in the City of San Luis Obispo iii
HISTORICAL RESOURCES EVALUATION REPORT
iv Railroad Safety Trail in the City of San Luis Obispo
HISTORICAL RESOURCES EVALUATION REPORT
CONTENTS
1 INTRODUCTION AND PROJECT DESCRIPTION ................................................... 1
2 RESEARCH METHODS .................................................................................................. 3
3 HISTORICAL BACKGROUND ...................................................................................... 5
3.1 HISTORICAL CONTEXT ...................................................................................... 5
3.1.1 San Luis Obispo before the Southern Pacific, Pre-1894 .............................. 5
3.1.2 Arrival of the Southern Pacific Railroad and Closing of the "Gap,"
1894-1901 .................................................................................................... 6
3 .1.3 Heyday of the Southern Pacific Railroad and San Luis Obispo as a
Railroad Town, 1901-1959 ......................................................................... 9
3.1.4 Modem Period, 1959-Present .................................................................... 12
3.2 SITE-SPECIFIC HISTORY .................................................................................. 13
4 DESCRIPTION OF CULTURAL RESOURCES ........................................................ 17
4.1 ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE CA-SL0-2531H ..................................................... 17
4.2 JOHNSON AVENUE RAILROAD BRIDGE (CA-SL0-2529H) ........................ 17
4.3 SAN LUIS OBISPO CREEK RAILROAD BRIDGE (CA-SL0-2530H) ............ 18
5 FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS ............................................................................... .21
5.1 FINDINGS ............................................................................................................. 21
5.1.1 Archaeological Site CA-SL0-2531H ........................................................ 21
5.1.2 Johnson Avenue Railroad Bridge (CA-SL0-2529H) ............................... .21
5.1.3 San Luis Obispo Creek Railroad Bridge (CA-SL0-2530H) .................... .22
5.2 CONCLUSIONS .................................................................................................... 22
6 REFERENCES ................................................................................................................. 23
7 PREPARERS QUALIFICATIONS .............................................................................. .26
8 MAPS ................................................................................................................................ 27
1 PROJECT VICINITY ............................................................................................ 29
2 PROJECT LOCATION ......................................................................................... 30
3 PROJECT AREA OF POTENTIAL EFFECTS ................................................... .31
APPENDICES
A California DPR 523 Forms Documenting Cultural Resources
Railroad Safety Trail in the City of San Luis Obispo V
HISTORICAL RESOURCES EVALUATION REPORT
vi Railroad Safety Trail in the City of San Luis Obispo
HISTORICAL RESOURCES EVALUATION REPORT
1
INTRODUCTION AND PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The City of San Luis Obispo (City), in conjunction with the California Department of
Transportation (Caltrans) and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), plans to construct a
bike path along the Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR) in the east part of town (Map 1 and Map 2).
Because the project will use federal funds, it is considered an undertaking (per 36 CFR
800.16[y]) subject to the authority of federal historic preservation law. The FHW A requires that
project proponents assist in meeting its obligations under the National Historic Preservation Act
NHPA) of 1966, as amended, to consider project effects on historic properties. A historic
property is defined as a prehistoric or historic district, site, building, structure, or object included
in, or eligible for inclusion in, the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) (36 CFR
800.16[1]). Applied EarthWorks, Inc. (JE) has been retained to evaluate the NRHP eligibility of
the sites and structures in the project's Area of Potential Effects (APE) and assist the City,
Caltrans, and the FHWA in meeting the cultural resources requirements of the NHPA. This
Historical Resources Evaluation Report (HRER) follows the suggested content and format
outlined in Exhibit 6.2 of Caltrans' Standard Environmental Reference (2006).
Pedestrians and bicyclists commonly use the UPRR right-of-way (ROW) as a short-cut through
town. Foot and cycle traffic along this corridor not only constitutes trespassing on UPRR
property but creates a safety hazard given the proximity of fast-moving trains. The installation of
a paved and protected City path would provide legal and safe access through this heavily used
route.
The project will involve the construction of a 12-foot-wide paved Class I bike path along the
western margin of the ROW currently owned by the UPRR. The path would extend from the
north end of the UPRR station parking lot to Pacific Street, a distance of approximately 2,250
feet. The proposed path would end near the access to an existing Class II bicycle route located on
Marsh Street. The project additionally involves the construction of two clear span bicycle bridges
parallel to the railroad bridges across Johnson A venue and San Luis Obispo Creek, as well as
security fencing between the path and the railroad tracks. Cut-slope grading and placement of
retaining walls will be necessary in segments where the ROW slants precipitously downward
from the tracks. The City plans to purchase the necessary property from the UPRR.
The project corridor crosses Sections 26 and 35 of Township 30 South, Range 12 East as shown
on the San Luis Obispo, California, U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) 7.5-minute quadrangle
Map 2). The APE for the current investigation encompasses the UPRR ROW, which measures
100-113 feet wide between the north end of the UPRR station parking lot and Pacific Street
approximately 2,250 feet) (Map 3).
As identified during the archaeological survey for the Railroad Safety Trail (Baloian 2007), three
resources lie within the APE: the San Luis Obispo Creek Railroad Bridge (1901)
CA-SL0-2530H; P-40-002530), the Johnson Avenue Railroad Bridge (1957) (CA-SL0-2529H;
P-40-002529), and a historical archaeological site containing concrete foundations of uncertain
Railroad Safety Trail in the City of San Luis Obispo 1
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age (CA-SL0-2531H; P-40-002531). The resources, which are the subject of this Historic
Resources Evaluation Report (HRER), are directly associated with the Coast Line of the
Southern Pacific Railroad (SPR). Although the history of the Coast Line comprises much of the
historical context for the evaluation, the railroad itself is not assessed in the HRER. Caltrans has
advised that given the continual upgrades to the track, the present railway's obvious lack of
integrity compared to its original form, and the scope of the current project, the railroad does not
require evaluation (Wilson 2006).
Aside from the segment spanning San Luis Obispo Creek, the APE primarily passes through a
residential neighborhood containing historical homes. Moreover, the portion of the ROW south
of the Johnson Avenue Bridge is within the sphere of the Railroad District Plan (City of San
Luis Obispo 1998), an area devoted to community development and historic preservation. This
City-created district encompasses historical homes as well as commercial buildings and railroad
features. However, none of the residences adjacent to the project corridor face the railroad tracks,
and the project would not have any direct or indirect effect on these resources. Thus, the APE
does not include any residences but only structures and features related to the railroad.
2 Railroad Safety Trail in the City of San Luis Obispo
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2
RESEARCH METHODS
On 26 October 2006, the Central Coast Information Center of the California Historical Resources
Information System housed at the University of California, Santa Barbara, conducted a records
search of known archaeological and historical sites as well as previous cultural resources surveys
within a 0.25-mile radius of the project corridor. Site record files, maps, and other materials were
examined to determine if the subject resources had been previously recorded. In addition to its
maps and site record files, the Information Center's search included the State Historic Property
Data Files, National Register of Historic Places, National Register of Determined Eligible
Properties, California Historical Landmarks, California Points of Historic Interest, California
Office of Historic Preservation Archaeological Determinations of Eligibility, and the Caltrans
State and Local Bridge Surveys.
On 8 November 2006, Randy Baloian and Wendy Nettles visited the study area to inspect and
document the subject bridges and features within the project APE. The fieldwork was conducted
in conjunction with a broader archaeological survey of the project area (Baloian 2007). Each
resources was photographed and recorded on a California Department of Parks and Recreation
Primary Record (DPR 523A); Building, Structure, and Object Record (DPR 523B); and
Archaeological Site Record (DPR 523C), as appropriate. On the advisement of Caltrans (Wilson
2007), the San Luis Obispo Southern Pacific Railroad Historic District was expanded to include
most of the study area and the resources identified in this study; the resources and enlarged
boundaries of the district are documented on a Primary Record. Photographs were taken with a
Nikon Coolpix 880 digital camera. Completed forms with photographs are provided in
Appendix A of this report. ~ personnel entered the railroad ROW with the written consent of the
UPRR.
additionally conducted archival research to develop a historic context for the evaluation and to
gather specific information about the subject resources. Data sources included the San Luis
Obispo County Historical Society, the Main Branch of the San Luis Obispo County Library, and
the San Luis Obispo County Recorder as well as ~'sown in-house library, which contains
numerous references on the history of San Luis Obispo County. Per Caltrans recommendations
Wilson 2007), ~ sent correspondence regarding the current study to Ron Clarke of the San Luis
Obispo County Historical Society, Brad LaRose of the San Luis Obispo Railroad Museum,
Devin Gallagher of Heritage Shared, and Jeff Hook of the San Luis Obispo Community
Development Department. Consultations with these individuals were considered in determining
the eligibility of the subject resources.
architectural historian Wendy Nettles evaluated the bridges for historical significance by
applying the National Register eligibility criteria (36 CFR 60.4) and with reference to the
historical context described herein. Whereas the NRHP criteria provide the general standards of
significance, the historical context delineates the specific themes-i.e., currents within the flow
of history-to which a resource may be related. Significance is based on how well the subject
resource exhibits one or more of these themes in terms of important events or people associated
Railroad Safety Trail in the City of San Luis Obispo 3
HISTORICAL RESOURCES EVALUATION REPORT
with the resource as well as its inherent qualities (i.e., architecture and potential to yield
information about the past). Moreover, in order to be considered a good representation of a
particular theme(s), a resource not only must possess significant associations but also must retain
integrity-i.e., it must preserve the character of its original form. Other properties and features
within the APE were treated according to the Caltrans Section 106 Programmatic Agreement.
4 Railroad Safety Trail in the City of San Luis Obispo
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3
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
The segment of the UPRR that is the focus of this study was originally constructed as the part of
the Southern Pacific Railroad's (SPR) Coast Line, a 470-mile railway linking San Francisco with
Los Angeles and all other destinations in between. Winding its way through the Coast Ranges
and along the Pacific shoreline, the Coast Line was an immense undertaking requiring multiple
episodes of construction-from the laying of the first tracks for the San Francisco to San Jose
line in 1861 to the last spike of the Surf to Ellwood leg in 1901. The significance of the SPR to
the history of the Central Coast is unquestionable. The railroads brought manufactured goods,
better access to distant markets, and employment opportunities to the predominantly agricultural
areas they serviced. Moreover, these communities underwent a social transformation with the
coming of the Coast Line, as previously sleepy streets became filled with the clamor of the
nearby freight yard and the bustle of out-of-towners traveling from and to points well beyond the
local region.
The discussion below examines the historical significance of the Coast Line primarily from an
economic perspective. The approach is to illustrate the history of the line by using its impact on
San Luis Obispo as a specific example. The historical context has been structured into
chronological intervals in order to identify the relevant periods of significance for the railroad
and its associated features within the current APE. The context is followed by a site-specific
historical summary of the study area.
3.1 HISTORICAL CONTEXT
3.1.1 San Luis Obispo before the Southern Pacific, Pre-1894
As with any area, the commercial and urban growth of the Central Coast was intimately
intertwined with the development of its transportation network. While the region contains fertile
valleys, river basins, and coastal plains, it is guarded by a trio of ranges-the Santa Lucia, San
Rafael, and Santa Ynez Mountains-that offer few natural passageways to the rest of the state.
Like the mission friars before them, the Anglo-American settlers realized from the beginning that
the land was productive. Some property owners, like John Wilson and William Dana, amassed
considerable individual wealth in the mid-1800s (Thompson and West 1883), but a broad-based
economy could not take root without an infrastructure. Prior to the 1870s, the only established
link leading into or out of the area was El Camino Real, the old Spanish highway that connected
the 21 missions along its north-south axis.
In 1870 the first county road in San Luis Obispo joined the communities of San Luis Obispo and
San Simeon, and another over Cuesta grade was constructed by 1877; both routes were built
using Chinese labor crews provided by San Luis Obispo businessman Ah Louis (Krieger
1988:75-76). In terms of shipping, however, the most important node in the county was Port
Harford (later called Port San Luis), and for many years the large-scale import and export of
goods was handled through San Luis Obispo Bay. The port offered a deep harbor where large
steamers could unload passengers and freight, and the high promontory of Point San Luis
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HISTORICAL RESOURCES EVALUATION REPORT
shielded ships from storms, particularly in the cove just northwest of the point where John
Harford built his 540-foot pier in 1873 (Best 1992: 11-13). In 1875-1876, a group of San
Francisco investors, later organized as the Pacific Coast Steamship Company, purchased
Harford's Wharf and constructed a short railroad line from the port to San Luis Obispo (Krieger
1988:57). In 1882, the steamship company was purchased by the Oregon Improvement
Company, a Seattle-based lumber and coal concern that reorganized its newly acquired rail assets
into the Pacific Coast Railway Company (PCRC) (Best 1992:24-41 ). The PCRC extended the
narrow-gauge railroad from San Luis Obispo to Los Alamos in 1883 and ultimately to Los
Olivos in 1887.
The rail/steamer network fostered inter-regional trade and had considerable effect on the
county's economy. Along with incoming coal and manufactured goods, timber from the
northwest arrived in San Luis Obispo, where it was processed and stored in the lumber mills and
yards near the PCRC station or distributed to other towns serviced by the railroad. Outgoing
grain and dairy products shipped from points along the PCRC line arrived at San Luis Obispo
Bay, where they were loaded on steamers bound for San Francisco. An entry in the 1889 San
Luis Obispo Morning Tribune (Tognazzini 1989) gives some indication of the volume and
diversity of goods passing through Port Harford in 1888: Exports-barley (16,725 tons), wheat
8,384 tons), beans (1,338 tons), oats (1,173), bituminous rock (19,063 tons), iron ore (625 tons),
asphaltum (190 tons), butter (979 tons), cheese (118 tons), hogs (1,027 tons), cattle (586 tons),
wool (145 tons), sheep (120 tons), hides and pelts (100 tons); Imports-lumber (9,554,030 feet),
coal (3,311), general merchandise (13,652 tons), agricultural implements (190 tons). The article
adds that 57,175 passengers were carried by the PCRC during that year alone.
3.1.2 Arrival of the Southern Pacific Railroad and Closing of the "Gap," 1894-1901
Operating more than a decade before the arrival of the SPR, the PCRC and its parent company
helped to integrate the regional economy with late nineteenth-century industrial America. Yet
despite the brisk pace of business, southern San Luis Obispo and northern Santa Barbara
counties were still relatively isolated from the rest of the state as late as the 1890s. Intra-regional
travel was made easy and affordable by the PCRC, but inter-modal transfers were necessary for
journeys outside the Central Coast. Before1894, reaching destinations beyond the range of the
PCRC (i.e., north of San Luis Obispo or south of Los Olivos) meant riding the stagecoach to pick
up the SPR line in Templeton or Santa Barbara; alternatively, travelers could take the PCRC to
Port Harford, where they would board a steamer bound for San Francisco or one of the other
ports of call along the California coast (Best 1992:42; Tognazzini 1991 a: 17). The effect of the
venerable PCRC should not be underestimated, but its significance paled in comparison to the
SPR; whereas the former provided service along the Pacific Coast, the latter was part of a
transcontinental network that offered its customers travel and shipping throughout the contiguous
United States.
In 1886 the SPR line from San Francisco had reached Templeton, and by 1889 it had inched
southward to Santa Margarita, a mere 8 miles (as the crow flies) from San Luis Obispo (Signor
1994:12-16). It was here, at the foot of the formidable Cuesta Grade, that construction was to
stall for the next five years. With the railroad so close, the wait was made all the more
excruciating for the citizens of San Luis Obispo, who had for some time anticipated the arrival of
the SPR and the prosperity it was supposed to bring. Like numerous other examples in the
6 Railroad Safety Trail in the City of San Luis Obispo
HISTORICAL RESOURCES EVALUATION REPORT
railroad history, the barometer of that anticipation in San Luis Obispo was the real estate market.
In the late 1880s, property owners watched their land values climb with the expectation of the
approaching railroad, only to see them fall when doubts crept in about whether the Cuesta Grade
segment would ever be completed (San Luis Obispo Morning Tribune [Tribune] 1989;
Tognazzini 1991b:31).
Conversely, the SPR was in no hurry to undertake the daunting task of bridging the Santa Lucia
Mountains and was apparently reluctant to single-handedly carry the burden of project's
estimated $3 million cost. For the railroad, the Coast Line was more a matter of expediency than
necessity; since 1876, the SPR had run trains between San Francisco and Los Angeles through
the much longer San Joaquin Valley/Tehachapi Pass route. In the end, it was perhaps the town's
expectations and eagerness that eventually worked to the railroad's advantage and pushed the
project forward. Speaking to a packed crowd at the newly opened San Luis Obispo Agricultural
Pavilion in April 1889, SPR boss Collis P. Huntington laid out, with real or staged indifference,
what the town had to do to bring the railroad over the mountains.
Now, we are sixteen miles from here, and if you were to give us the right-of-way, and it
was all straight and the title was perfect and the ground that we would want for the shops
and depot purposes was provided, I expect we might commence work at the building of
the road .... As far as I am personally concerned, I would just as soon you would be ten
years about it as not; in fact, rather [Signor 1994:12].
By October 1890 local businessmen and railroad officials had hammered out an agreement,
although due to various complications, work on the railroad did not resume until early 1893.
Construction of the Santa Margarita to San Luis Obispo segment was an impressive feat
requiring the financial wherewithal of the SPR as well the skill of Chief Engineer William Hood.
The circuitous 17-mile grade involved countless deep cuts and fills along the precipitous slopes;
in addition, seven tunnels-including a 3,700 foot underground passage at the top of the grade-
were burrowed through the mountainside, and a viaduct was constructed over Stenner Creek
Signor 1994:14; Tognazzini 1994c:24). On 5 May 1894, about 3,000 locals and visitors
gathered at the Ramona Hotel to greet the first SPR train to steam into San Luis Obispo
Tognazzini 1994b:59). Throughout the year, the company kept busy with the construction of the
terminal, which eventually included a depot, storage warehouses, and a brick roundhouse.
Meanwhile, the line pressed farther south, reaching Guadalupe by the end of 1894.
The Oregon Improvement Company, which was reorganized as the Pacific Coast Company in
1897, now faced competition from the one of the nation's leaders in the rail industry. At least in
the short term, that competition and the continued existence of Port Harford as a viable shipping
point benefited the farmers and ranchers of the San Luis Obispo area in the form of lower freight
costs (Tribune 1895). With the discovery of crude oil on the Central Coast in the early 1900s,
Port Harford remained an important distribution node for oil tankers well into the twentieth
century. Passenger traffic was a different matter. The days of steamship travel out of Port
Harford eventually came to an end, particularly when the SPR began offering through service
between San Francisco and Los Angeles in 1901 (Best 1992:51).
In terms of intra-regional rail transportation, however, the SPR and the PCRC, which later
became known as the Pacific Coast Railway, not only coexisted for many years but formed a
tolerant if not amicable relationship (Best 1992:47-49). In San Luis Obispo, the two railroads
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coordinated their timetables to facilitate inter-rail transfers, and a spur line was built along South
Street between the PCRC and SPR complexes; the SPR also provided land at its new terminal to
the Pacific Coast Railway for a warehouse and transfer platform. At Hadley, where the two lines
intersected, a watchtower was installed to prevent collisions. Both companies built branch lines
to the large Betteravia sugar plant, and there seemed to be plenty of freight to keep both railroads
busy. The Pacific Coast Railway in fact enjoyed some of its best shipping years during the latter
part of the 1890s (Tognazzini 1996, 1999b ).
With respect to the City and County of San Luis Obispo, the SPR had at least some of the effect
envisioned by the town. A few weeks following the celebration at the Ramona Hotel, the Tribune
commented that compared to recent years, when over 60 dwellings and stores were vacant, all
residences were occupied and new construction was being planned or was underway (Tognazzini
1994d:67). The railroad had made northern California much more accessible, and area ranchers
could transported high volumes of cattle to market or to graze on greener pastures during dry
years (Tognazzini 1994a:71, 1998:43). Perishable dairy products, second only to agricultural
crops in economic importance, were railed to the Bay Area with less chance of spoilage and
without the double-handling involved in shipping through Port Harford. An 1897 Tribune article
notes that the Union Creamery on Morro Road had begun freighting butter, which previously had
been sent entirely via steamer, on the refrigerated cars of the SPR (Tognazzini 1997:29).
Yet there are indications, particularly in the printed press, that the economic effect of the SPR
was not altogether robust or consistent. On 5 May 1895, the one-year anniversary of the
railroad's arrival, the Tribune tempered its generally positive outlook by stating that presently
b ]usiness has been somewhat slack and new openings have been simply out of the question"
Tognazzini 1995:45). The problem was that the Coast Line was still an incomplete railway and
had yet to function as intended as a through route between San Francisco and Los Angeles.
During the 1890s, the "gap" commonly referred to the unfinished portion of the Coast Line as
well as the distance separating the residents of the Central Coast from the promises of prosperity.
In 1896 the line from San Francisco had been extended to Surf, while the segment from Los
Angeles had reached Ellwood almost 10 years earlier (Signor 1994). The gap between these two
points measured 56 miles of mostly rocky shoreline. Once again, the SPR hesitated before the
prospect and cost of laying track across rigorous terrain, and once again, the citizens of San Luis
Obispo and the rest of the Central Coast grew impatient as the gap refused to narrow any further
for the next several years. The following passage from 1899, which is typical of countless
Tribune articles from the 1890s, accurately foresees benefits of the Coast Line, whose
completion had seemed perpetually imminent throughout the decade.
8
When the Southern Pacific's coast line is finished, and the indications are that it will be
just as soon as the big forces of men now at work can finish it, there is bound to be a
large increase in our population and more business transacted here. The railroad will
bring tourists of means to our town and some of them will purchase property and make
their home here at certain seasons of the year. Then there are other classes who will go
into business because the place will be up to date .... Repair shops will also be
established which will give employment to several men, and altogether it will make the
town of considerable importance on the line [Tognazzini 1999b].
Railroad Safety Trail in the City of San Luis Obispo
HISTORICAL RESOURCES EVALUATION REPORT
In early 1901 the Surf to Elwood segment had been completed, and on 31 March 1901, exactly
two years after the above article was published, the SPR began offering through passenger
service between San Francisco and Los Angeles. The gap had finally been closed.
3.1.3 Heyday of the Southern Pacific Railroad and San Luis Obispo as a Railroad
Town, 1901-1959
If there were any doubts about whether the long-awaited completion of the Coast Line would
make any difference at all to San Luis Obispo, they were quickly dispelled a few weeks later,
when, on 10 May 1901, a special train carrying President William B. McKinley rolled into town.
The commander-in-chief, who was in the midst of a nationwide tour, was received at the
Ramona Hotel where he made a brief perfunctory speech about the general nature and processes
of the government as well as the country's recent success in the Spanish-American War
Tognazzini 2001b:50). Almost two years later, President Theodore Roosevelt, who rose to the
office after McKinley died from an assassin's bullet a few months after his appearance in San
Luis Obispo, rode the SPR into town on 9 May 1903. In his more forward-looking address
delivered from a stand at Mitchell Park, the Trust-Buster and proto-environmentalist declared
Our aim must be to hand over to our children, not an impoverished but an improved country"
Krieger 1985).
The citizens of San Luis Obispo in fact had good reason to look to the future with optimism.
While the town's central position between San Francisco and Los Angeles made San Luis
Obispo a natural choice to locate a major terminal, there were other factors that contributed to
the town's strategic value. The location served as the primary interchange with the Pacific Coast
Railway, which operated on the Central Coast until its dissolution in the early 1940s. Another
reason was that to some extent, the Cuesta Grade still represented an imposing if not a hazardous
segment of the railroad. In February 1910, one of the tunnels collapsed thereby closing the Coast
Line for a few weeks (Signor 1994:60-61 ). The proximity of San Luis Obispo based SPR crew
likely helped minimize the downtime caused by this cave-in and also facilitated periodic
maintenance of the line through this crucial pass. Even on a day-to-day basis, the trek up the
Santa Lucia Mountains from San Luis Obispo was an arduous climb for trains, requiring helper
engines to pull or push the long chain of cars up Cuesta's south slope (Signor 1994: 118-119; see
Figure 3-1 ). On freight trains, these helper locomotives would typically be interspersed at 40-car
intervals with one engine toward the end; at Santa Margarita, they would be cut-out of the chain
and either retuned to San Luis Obispo directly or used to help southbound trains over the short
but steep northern slope.
The closing of the gap coupled with the presence of an SPR hub reverberated throughout all
economic levels in San Luis Obispo. A short entry in the Tribune from November 1901 noted
that demand for rentals was high, real estate values were advancing, and new buildings were
being planned (Tognazzini 2001a:121). Part of this boom can be attributed to the influx of SPR
workers.
Many of the engineers, firemen, and brakemen preferred to live here, as well as the
Roundhouse workers, signalmen, dispatchers and others who had to. New subdivisions,
with modest cottages, grew up within walking distance of the Roundhouse-between
High Street to Lawrence Drive. Others were built on vacant lots north of High Street and
near the station [Tritenbach 1989:88].
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HISTORICAL RESOURCES EVALUATION REPORT
Figure 3-1 Locomotive pulls a long line of cars up the south slope of the Cuesta Grade; in
the background, a plume of smoke rises from a helper engine (Signor 1994).
Tritenbach (1989:88) additionally mentions that about a third of the town's working population
was employed by the SPR from 1900 to 1960. Although it is uncertain how he arrives at this
estimate, the railroad did directly and indirectly create many job opportunities. A manuscript by
George Mccarron (n.d.) obtained from the San Luis Obispo Historical Society lists the positions
and number of employees at the station: of the more than 100 workers, about 20 were dispatchers
and other administrative personnel; approximately 45 were ticket and yard clerks, baggage men,
switch operators, freight station personnel, and other workers involved with the loading and
unloading of passengers and goods; the remainder were the foremen, machinists, pipe fitters,
boiler makers, brick men, hostlers, stationary engineers, cellar packers, and other laborers that
made up the roundhouse and maintenance crew.
In its early days, the Coast Line primarily served as a carrier of passengers. Advanced
automobile travel was still years away, and growing coastal populations provided enough
demand for both railroads. In 1912, the Pacific Coast Railway set an all-time company record of
62,319 passengers (Best 1992:63). The SPR had bigger plans for the Coast Line than just a
commuter train and immediately began marketing the route to the nation's traveling public.
Among the attractions commonly advertised by the railroad were the celebrated Del Monte Hotel
10 Railroad Safety Trail in the City of San Luis Obispo
HISTORICAL RESOURCES EVALUATION REPORT
in Monterey; a variety of hot springs and health resorts found near the depots at Gilroy, Soledad,
and Paso Robles; and, of course, the chain of Spanish missions, which served as the architectural
inspiration of many of the SPR stations (Signor 1994:51-52). The transportation of goods along
the Coast Line was of less importance. The vast majority of the SPR freight moved along the San
Joaquin Line, which crossed over the nation's most agriculturally productive region. Meanwhile,
the Pacific Coast Railway, which fortuitously ran through Santa Maria, garnered much of the oil-
related traffic in the Central Coast during the century's first decade.
In time, the volume of freight transported along the Coast Line increased with the expanding and
diversifying economy. Eastbound shipments of citrus, apples, and other fruits became more
common, and the SPR took an active interest in promoting the consumption of these
commodities (Orsi 1975; Signor 1994:46-47). With the completion of the Santa Maria Valley
Railroad in 1911, the SPR line in Guadalupe was linked with the oilfields in Palmer (Best
1992:63). Petroleum was also an important industry in the Santa Barbara area, and beginning in
1900, the SPR locomotives themselves were fueled by oil instead of coal (Signor 1994:47).
World War I brought a dramatic increase in the movement of freight and people along the Coast
Line, but the emergence oflettuce and other vegetable crops in the Salinas, Pajaro, Santa Ynez,
and Santa Clara River valleys had a long-term impact on shipping volume during the 1920s. In
1925, the Coast Division of the SPR handled 7.3 million gross tons of general freight between
San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara and 8 million between San Luis Obispo and Watsonville
Signor 1994:48). In 1923 the original turntable at the San Luis Obispo roundhouse was replaced
with a concrete and steel structure (Pavlik 1994:6). Although San Luis Obispo held more
importance as a distribution point than an area of production, the Japanese community
contributed to the diversification of the local agricultural market by introducing such then exotic
vegetables as bush peas, Brussels sprouts, and artichokes. Throughout the 1920s, twelve
scheduled daily passenger trains-six southbound and six northbound-ran along the Coast Line
Signor 1994:66).
As the Depression began to weigh upon the nation's economy in the early 1930s, the SPR was
forced to suspend some of these passenger routes. Downturns were similarly felt in freight
volume. On the Cuesta Grade, helper freight miles slid 25 percent, and passenger miles fell
33 percent (Signor 1994:87). As is often the case in times of economic hardship, the decade of
the 1930s was a period of adaptation and innovation for the SPR (Signor 1994:87-93). In
response to growing competition from trucking firms, the company had established the Pacific
Motor Transport Company in 1927 to act as a feeder and distribution agency for the railroad; five
years later, it created Pacific Motor Trucking, which allowed coordinated train-truck delivery.
The SPR had experimented with express delivery in the early 1930s, and the idea was so well
received that the Coast Line began overnight service between San Francisco and Los Angeles in
1935. Passenger trains became faster as well. Alignment upgrades and technological
improvements reduced the travel time between San Francisco and Los Angeles from 14 hours
45 minutes in 1901 to 9 hours 45 minutes in the late 1930s. The new GS Class 4-8-4 locomotives
that operated on the daily Coast Line Daylight runs were also powerful enough to be used as
helpers on the Cuesta Grade. In 1940, the San Luis Obispo terminal added a 65,000-gallon water
tank to fill the boilers of the steam-driven engines (Pavlik 1994:6).
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In the summer 1939, the SPR transported 6,000 California National Guard soldiers to Camp San
Luis Obispo for annual training (Signor 1994: 140). The base, also known as Camp Merriam for a
short time, had staged yearly maneuvers since the mid-1930s, and the mass gathering of troops
foreshadowed things to come for the Central Coast (Harth et al. 1991). The country was still
focused on the day-to-day struggles of the Depression, but the invasion of China by Japan in
1937 and the annexation of Austria and the Sudetenland by Hitler's Germany in 1938 were signs
that war was not far off. With the German declaration of war on the United States in January
1942, one month after the bombing of Pearl Harbor by the Japanese, the nation faced a global
conflict concentrated in the Pacific and European theatres. The government established a chain
of training centers along the Pacific Coast; in addition to Camp San Luis Obispo, nearby military
facilities included Camp Roberts near San Miguel and Camp Cooke in the Lompoc-Santa Maria
area, which eventually became Vandenberg Air Force Base. The SPR was working overtime to
move thousands of servicemen and several million tons of military equipment while still
maintaining its scheduled civilian passenger and freight routes. To alleviate bottlenecks on the
Cuesta Grade caused by this tremendous volume, a centralized traffic control system was
installed in San Luis Obispo in 1942. The workforce at the roundhouse reached peak levels
Signor 1994:143). In 1943, a new depot was built in the Spanish Mission style, while the
original depot was converted into a railroad office (Pavlik 1994:8).
When World War II ended in 1945 and the SPR had returned the bulk of troops back home, the
company anticipated the post-war economic boom by again introducing marketing and
technological innovations to its service. "Piggybacking"-the concept of placing truck trailers on
flatbed railcars-was initiated in 1953 (Signor 1994:150). In the mid-1950s, the SPR began in
earnest replacing its steam engines with diesel-fueled locomotives. The new diesel-powered fleet
was more fuel efficient and require less maintenance, a factor that ultimately precipitated
downsizing at San Luis Obispo and other Coast Line stations. In 1957, the steam engine
maintenance and hostler positions at the San Luis Obispo terminal were discontinued. The
centralized traffic control system was relocated to the Bay Area (Signor 1994:159, 164). Two
years later, the roundhouse was tom down, thus bringing to an end San Luis Obispo's almost
60-year tenure as a railroad town (Tritenbach 1989:91).
3.1.4 Modern Period, 1959-Present
Since the 1920s, cars and trucks have been the primary means to move people and goods over
short distances; in many ways, they complimented the long-distance transportation services
offered by the railroad. Air flight, whose importance in warfare become evident during World
War II, was little more than a novelty in the commercial world before 1945. By the 1960s and
1970s, however, the tractor-trailer truck had replaced the freight train as the dominant mode of
long-haul shipping, and airline travel had become affordable, convenient, and considerably
faster. Freight traffic along the Coast Line dwindled, and in 1971, the SPR turned passenger
operations over to Amtrak. That same year, the original depot in San Luis Obispo was tom
down. In 1993, the roundhouse turntable bridge was dismantled, although the existing depot has
remained basically unaltered and the water tower still stands as a reminder of the days of steam-
driven locomotives (Pavlik 1994). In the mid-1990s, the Union Pacific Railroad acquired the
SPR. The scenic Coast Line still attracts state travelers and tourists; currently, one northbound
and three southbound Amtrak trains leave from the San Luis Obispo station daily.
12 Railroad Safety Trail in the City of San Luis Obispo
HISTORICAL RESOURCES EVALUATION REPORT
3.2 SITE-SPECIFIC HISTORY
In 1870, surveyors Harris and Ward produced a map of San Luis Obispo showing the city limits,
San Luis Obispo Creek and other drainages, real estate parcels and their owners, and selected
structures as well as existing and planned city streets. Although at the time much of the current
study area was outside the city boundaries and thus not depicted, the northern end of the project
corridor does lie within the property of Tomas Herrera. A listing of land petitions compiled by
Bertrando ( 1996) indicates that Herrera received title to the 17-acre parcel in 1872 and that he
had lived on the land for more than 10 years. A plat accompanying Herrera's petition shows a
small structure toward the back of that lot and north of San Luis Obispo Creek; the precise
location of the building is difficult to determine but it was probably just southwest of the project
corridor near the intersection of Pacific and Pepper streets. The plat indicates that the 3-acre
parcel of Jesus Gonzales, who had settled on the property in 1852, overlaps the portion of the
study area just south of the creek. Herrera additionally owned a 13-acre plot outside the city
limit, which included at least half, if not most of the project area.
In 1886, construction on the Coast Line had reached Templeton, less than 20 miles from San
Luis Obispo. By this time it is likely that most of the larger plots around town had been
subdivided into smaller properties, which complicated the task of acquiring ROW for the SPR
once efforts to extend the railroad farther south finally resumed in the early 1890s (Nicholson
1993). An 1894 City map confirms that only a few multi-acre parcels remained within the city
limit and that the ROW passes through mostly single-residence plots; the map as well as an
undated City plat book indicate that the project corridor was part of the Loomis & Co. Addition
and the Deleissiguez Tract.
Despite the degree of subdivision, two photographs from the 1890s show that the railroad ran
through a rural environment with farmhouses scattered between orchards, crops, and otherwise
undeveloped land. A panoramic image taken from the hillside east of town depicts the railroad
ROW, but the depot does not appear to have been constructed as yet, suggesting the photo may
date to 1892 or 1893 (Figure 3-2). A wooden bridge spans the railroad at Fairview Street, as
labeled on the 1894 map. Another photo dating between 1894 and 1905 shows a closer view of
the Fairview Street Bridge along with the precursor of the Johnson Avenue Underpass
Figure 3-3). It is likely that given the height of the grade relative to the road, the SPR found it
necessary to build a structure that would convey traffic under the line. The earthen walls of this
narrow, one-lane subway are reinforced by masonry. Probably about the same time the initial
underpass was built, a wooden truss bridge was constructed across San Luis Obispo Creek
Figure 3-2); the structure is similar in architecture and materials to a contemporaneous railroad
bridge at Monterey Street (San Luis Obispo Reporter 1958). Both bridges appear to have been
replaced in 1901 when the SPR likely effected upgrades to the railway after the completion of
the Coast Line in that same year. The existing bridge at San Luis Obispo Creek bears the date
1901" embossed on its western girder. Figure 3-2 additionally depicts a homestead just
downstream from the previous bridge, which possibly corresponds to the building plotted on the
1872 Herrera Plat.
An aerial photograph indicates that by the 1930s the vicinity west of the project area had become
filled in with residences, while the land to the east remained predominantly agricultural. The
underpass and the two bridges are present, but no other structures appear in the study area.
Railroad Safety Trail in the City of San Luis Obispo 13
HISTORICAL RESOURCES EVALUATION REPORT
Figure 3-2 Panorama of San Luis Obispo circa early 1890s (courtesy San Luis Obispo County Historical
Society). Labeled features include: (A) Fairview Street Bridge; (8) predecessor of the Johnson
Avenue underpass; and (C) wooden truss bridge spanning San Luis Obispo Creek. The site of
the SPR depot (far left) appears vacant, but the Ramona Hotel is to the far right.
Figure 3-3 A segment of the project corridor circa 1894-1905 (courtesy San Luis Obispo County
Historical Society). Underpass in center; Fairview Street Bridge at right. The city street
car is parked on Essex Street just before San Luis Obispo Creek. The San Luis Street
Railway operated until 1905 (Krieger 1988).
14 Railroad Safety Trail in the City of San Luis Obispo
HISTORICAL RESOURCES EVALUATION REPORT
In the mid-1950s, the City, probably in conjunction with the SPR, undertook a project to widen
the underpass (Figure 3-4). A plaque commemorating the opening of the Johnson A venue
underpass in 1957 lists local firm Madonna Construction Company as the contractor and H. Neil
Warren as the engineering consultant. The existing bridge was also installed at the same time,
although research could not reveal any details about its construction. The Fairview Street Bridge
was removed during or shortly after the construction of the underpass and bridge (City 1998;
Ochs 2006).
Figure 3-4 Construction on the Johnson Avenue underpass circa 1956-1957 (courtesy San Luis
Obispo County Historical Society). The project required that the railroad be
temporarily diverted along the graded path.
A 1952 map of the San Luis Obispo Southern Pacific Station depicts the various structures
within the complex (Signor 1994:218-219). Just north of the main depot were five small
buildings-two storerooms, the section foreman's office, the roadmaster's house, and the
roadmaster's office and engineer's quarters. The first three, if not all five, of these structures
once stood within the APE. Also located within the study area was a herder's shanty just east of
the tracks near the intersection of Ruth and Church streets. In addition, a telephone shanty and
three tool houses were immediately south of the Fairview Street Bridge on the west side of the
tracks; a tool house was south of the bridge on the east side of the tracks. The map shows a
footbridge crossing the railroad at the terminus of Toro Street, where the railway divides from
two to three tracks; this narrow bridge does not appear on any other available maps or
photographs. None of these structures remains standing within the project APE.
The features of the railroad appear to be regularly maintained. The track within the APE dates to
1987 or 2004, and all of the supporting machinery (e.g., signal devices, switching mechanisms)
were observed to be modem (Baloian 2007). No major changes have occurred in the project area
since 1957.
Railroad Safety Trail in the City of San Luis Obispo 15
HISTORICAL RESOURCES EVALUATION REPORT
16 Railroad Safety Trail in the City of San Luis Obispo
HISTORICAL RESOURCES EVALUATION REPORT
4
DESCRIPTION OF CULTURAL RESOURCES
A records search for the study vicinity indicated that no previously recorded cultural resources
are located within or adjacent to the study area. The current investigation revealed three cultural
resources within the APE: archaeological site CA-SL0-253 lH, the Johnson Avenue Railroad
Bridge, and the San Luis Obispo Creek Railroad Bridge. Both bridges are directly associated
with the Coast Line of the SPR, whose history is recounted in the previous chapter.
4.1 ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE CA-SL0-2531H
CA-SL0-2531H is a historical site containing one complete concrete foundation (Feature 1) and
one partial concrete foundation (Feature 2). The remains lie about 30 feet from the tracks on the
west side of the UPRR ROW, about 1,000 feet north of the depot just before the railroad
converges into one track. Feature 1 is 20 by 16 feet with 6-inch-thick walls. The slab floor of the
structure is still intact. A 6-foot section of foundation extends from the northwest comer; this
section may have supported an exterior wall or been part of an adjoining room. Feature 2 is the
scant remnant of a similarly built foundation; two 5-foot-long, 6-inch-thick walls come together
to form the northeast comer of the structure. The site encompasses approximately 600 square
meters. Railroad debris, which likely dates to the modem period, is sparsely scattered across the
site; no diagnostic artifacts were found.
The locations of foundations undoubtedly correspond to the telephone shanty and tool houses
depicted on the 1952 map of the San Luis Obispo Depot (Signor 1994:218-219; see Section 3.2).
A contemporaneous photograph shows that the tool houses were very simple utilitarian buildings
with no windows and medium-pitched roofs (Signor 1994:213). The structures were probably
built sometime between 1930 and 1950 and removed in the mid-to-late 1950s when the SPR
downsized its San Luis Obispo station.
4.2 JOHNSON AVENUE RAILROAD BRIDGE (CA-SL0-2529H)
This bridge carries the UPRR rails over Johnson Avenue (Figure 4-1). The single-span through-
girder bridge is supported by two simple concrete U-abutments. A commemorative plaque on the
southern abutment states that the bridge was constructed in 1957. Closely spaced transverse
flange beams, which are connected directly to the riveted steel girders, form the base of the
ballasted deck floor system. The walls that retain the ballast are metal sheets that are welded and
bolted to the flange angles. Each bridge seat has been strengthened by steel supports. These
supports, which are of different manufacture than other members of the bridge, appear to be a
later addition.
Railroad Safety Trail in the City of San Luis Obispo 17
HISTORICAL RESOURCES EVALUATION REPORT
Figure 4-1 Johnson Avenue Railroad Bridge; facing east.
4.3 SAN LUIS OBISPO CREEK RAILROAD BRIDGE (CA-SL0-2530H)
This bridge carries the UPRR over San Luis Obispo Creek (Figure 4-2). The single-span
through-girder bridge is supported on abutments fashioned from granite blocks. These abutments
are simple breast abutments with stepped-down wings . One granite block of the southern
abutment was removed and replaced with a poured concrete block, within which a USGS
benchmark was
placed. Transverse floor beams are connected directly to the girders. Pairs of short stringer spans
are riveted to each floor beam. Lateral angles, which provide additional support, are riveted to
the same plate used to attach the floor beams to the girders. A small metal plate embossed
1901" is attached to the center of the northern girder. The rust preventative applied to this
bridge is badly weathered and peeling. Overall, it appears to have had little modification.
The bridge was constructed the same year the "gap" was closed, but it is likely that it was built
after March 31, 1901 when the Coast Line officially opened. Signor (1994:21) explains that the
last spike actually had been driven as early as December 30, 1900 and that the subsequent three
months were spent ballasting and surfacing the track, erecting water facilities and other
supporting buildings, and working out the details of operation. It does not seem probable that the
SPR would divert manpower away from these tasks at such a critical time; rather, it is more
plausible that the railroad replaced the wooden structure across San Luis Obispo Creek with the
current bridge following the christening of the line when there was more time and labor available
to undertake its construction.
18 Railroad Safety Trail in the City of San Luis Obispo
l
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r
r
l
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HISTORICAL RESOURCES EVALUATION REPORT
Figure 4-2 San Luis Obispo Creek Railroad Bridge; facing northeast.
Railroad Safety Trail in the City of San Luis Obispo 19
HISTORICAL RESOURCES EVALUATION REPORT
20 Railroad Safety Trail in the City of San Luis Obispo
HISTORICAL RESOURCES EVALUATION REPORT
5
FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS
In 1994 Caltrans evaluated the historical significance of the San Luis Obispo train station and
found the terminal eligible for inclusion in the NRHP as a historic railroad district; the California
Office of Historic Preservation concurred with this determination (Pavlik 1994). The San Luis
Obispo Southern Pacific Railroad Historic District includes existing and nonextant structures
directly related to the operation of the terminal. Although the boundaries of the original district
did not include the current APE, Caltrans advised that the district be expanded to incorporate the
three resources identified in this study (Wilson 2007). Along with site records for
CA-SL0-2529H, -2530H, and -253 lH, Appendix A contains a primary record for the San Luis
Obispo Southern Pacific Railroad Historic District with a revised map of the district showing its
expanded boundaries. Consequently, the three resources are evaluated below as potential
contributors to the district.
5.1 FINDINGS
5.1.1 Archaeological Site CA-SL0-2531H
Archaeological site CA-SL0-2531H represents the foundational remains of three tool houses and
a telephone shanty located at the northern end of the San Luis Obispo train station (Signor 1994).
Based on an aerial photograph and a map of the station, the structures were probably built
sometime between 1930 and 1950 and removed in the mid-to-late 1950s. The virtual absence of
historical artifacts on the surface suggests that the site lacks significant subsurface deposits.
Given its limited information potential, CA-SL0-253 lH does not appear to be eligible for the
NRHP under Criterion D. For these same reasons, it does not contribute to the significance of the
San Luis Obispo Southern Pacific Railroad Historic District.
5.1.2 Johnson Avenue Railroad Bridge (CA-SL0-2529H)
The Johnson Avenue Railroad Bridge was built in 1957 during the period of significance ( 1901-
1959) when the Coast Line was still a major mode of transportation and the railroad industry
occupied a central position in the state and national economy. The bridge is not, however, a good
representation of that period, particularly since it was built toward the end of that era and lacks
association with any special event. In general, it does not effectively convey the importance of
the Coast Line during the first half of the twentieth century (Criterion A). The bridge is not
associated with any significant persons that would qualify it as a historic resource under
Criterion B. The 1948 Railway Engineering and Maintenance Cyclopedia considered this bridge
type and construction method common enough that it is discussed first and in the greatest detail
in the bridge section of the manual (Howard 1948). It is not architecturally distinct (Criterion C),
nor does it contribute to the history of bridge construction (Criterion D). Thus, the bridge does
not appear individually eligible under any of the four NRHP criteria, nor does it contribute to the
significance of the San Luis Obispo Southern Pacific Railroad Historic District.
It should be noted that the Johnson Avenue Railroad Bridge is included as one of the 21
historical features and structures listed in the Railroad District Plan (City 1998). The plan
Railroad Safety Trail in the City of San Luis Obispo 21
HISTORICAL RESOURCES EVALUATION REPORT
primarily outlines a strategy for community development and historic preservation and was not
part of the San Luis Obispo Southern Pacific Railroad Historic District originally defined by
Caltrans. While the City's inventory contains the structures that comprise the NRHP district,
other historical structures, like the Johnson Avenue Railroad Bridge, have been included due to
their association and proximity to the railroad and not necessarily because of their demonstrated
historical significance. Thus, although it is not eligible for the NRHP, nor is it a contributing
element of the NRHP district, the Johnson Avenue Railroad Bridge does merit consideration as a
resource of local interest.
5.1.3 San Luis Obispo Creek Railroad Bridge (CA-SL0-2530H)
The San Luis Obispo Creek Railroad Bridge was constructed in 1901 at the onset of the same
period of significance (1901-1959). The bridge is not associated with any significant persons,
such as a prominent engineer or bridge architect (Criterion B). The San Luis Obispo Creek
Railroad Bridge is identical to the structure that carries the UPRR rails over Monterey Street two
blocks away. As noted above, the through-girder construction is common; the bridge is therefore
not architecturally distinct, nor does it contribute to the history of bridge construction (Criteria C
and D). The bridge was not the original structure that carried the first train across the creek in
1894 when the SPR arrived in San Luis Obispo. Moreover, it is likely that the bridge was
constructed after the completion of the line in March 1901 when the rail company could devote
more time and manpower to upgrading the older elements of the railway. Nevertheless, the San
Luis Obispo Creek Railroad Bridge functioned throughout virtually the entire period of
significance for the railroad in general as well as during the heyday of the SPR San Luis Obispo
station. Moreover, it has essentially remained unaltered and retains integrity. Consequently,
based on its association with important events and developments (Criterion A), the San Luis
Obispo Creek Railroad Bridge appears to be a contributing element of the San Luis Obispo
Southern Pacific Railroad Historic District.
5.2 CONCLUSIONS
Two of the resources within the project APE do not meet the criteria to be considered eligible for
inclusion in the NRHP. The Johnson Avenue Railroad Bridge, although not eligible for the
NRHP, is listed in the City's Railroad District and is therefore considered a resource oflocal
interest (5Sl). One resource, the San Luis Obispo Creek Railroad Bridge, is a contributor to the
NRHP-eligible San Luis Obispo Southern Pacific Railroad Historic District (3D).
Properties Evaluated as Not Eligible for the NRHP
Resource Name
Foundations
Johnson A venue Railroad Bridge
Trinomial
Primary
Number Community
CA-SL0-253 lH P-40-002531 San Luis Obispo, CA
CA-SL0-2529H P-40-002529 San Luis Obispo, CA
OHP Status Map
Code Ref.
6Z
5Sl
1
2
Properties Evaluated as Contributors to an NRHP-Eligible District
Primary OHP Map
Resource Name Trinomial Number Community Status Code Ref.
San Luis Obispo Creek Railroad Bridge CA-SL0-2530H P-40-002531 San Luis Obispo, CA 3D #3
22 Railroad Safety Trail in the City of San Luis Obispo
Baloian, Randy
HISTORICAL RESOURCES EVALUATION REPORT
6
REFERENCES
2007 Archaeological Survey Report for the Railroad Safety Trail in the City ofSan Luis
Obispo, San Luis Obispo County, California. Applied EarthWorks, Inc., Fresno,
California. Submitted to the City of San Luis Obispo Public Works Department and
California Department of Transportation, San Luis Obispo.
Bertrando, Betsy
1996 Annotated Index to the Historic Documents "Petitions for Land in the City of San Luis
Obispo. " Bertrando and Bertrando Research Consultants, San Luis Obispo, California.
Best, Gerald M.
1992 The Pacific Coast Company. Signature Press, Wilton, California.
City of San Luis Obispo (City)
1998 Railroad District Plan. City of San Luis Obispo, Community Development.
Harth, Stan, Liz Krieger, and Dan Krieger (editors)
1991 War Comes to the Middle Kingdom, Volume 1: 1939-1942. EZ Nature Books, San
Luis Obispo, California.
Howard, Neal D. (editor)
1948 Railway Engineering & Maintenance Cyclopedia. 7th ed. Simmons-Boardman
Publishing Corporation, Chicago, Illinois.
Krieger, Daniel E.
1985 When Presidents Rode the Rails to San Luis Obispo. San Luis Obispo County,
Telegram-Tribune. 9 March.
1988 Looking Backward into the Middle Kingdom: San Luis Obispo County. Windsor
Publications, Northridge, California.
Mccarron, George
n.d. Retrospective of S.P. terminal employees at San Luis Obispo. Manuscript on file, San
Luis Obispo County Historical Society.
Nicholson, Loren
1993 Rails across the Ranchos. California Heritage Publication Associates, San Luis
Obispo, California.
Ochs, Allan
2006 Researcher, San Luis Obispo County Historical Society, personal communication,
9November.
Railroad Safety Trail in the City of San Luis Obispo 23
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Orsi, Richard J.
1975 The Octopus Reconsidered: The Southern Pacific and Agricultural Modernization in
California, 1865-1915. California Historical Quarterly LIV(Fall):197-220.
Pavlik, Robert C.
1994 Historic Architectural Survey Report, San Luis Obispo Southern Pacific Railroad
Historic District. California Department of Transportation, District 5, San Luis
Obispo.
San Luis Obispo Morning Tribune (Tribune)
1895 Grain Shipping: Why the Rates Vary in this County. 16 August.
1989 100 Years Ago. 6 February:C7.
San Luis Obispo Reporter
1958 Drawing of Monterey Street Railroad Bridge. 18 December:l.
Thompson and West
1883 History ofSan Luis Obispo County, California, with Illustrations and Biographical
Sketches of its Prominent Men and Pioneers. San Francisco, California.
Signor, John R.
1994 Southern Pacific's Coast Line. Signature Press, Wilton, California.
Tognazzini, Wilmar N. (compiler)
24
1989 Statistics of the Port. January 15 through January 21. In 100 Years Ago, 1889:
Excerpts from the San Luis Obispo Morning Tribune and the Daily Republic, p. 8.
W. N. Tognazzini, San Luis Obispo, California.
1991a February 11 through February 18. In 100 Years Ago, 1891: Excerpts from the San
Luis Obispo Morning Tribune, p. 17. W. N. Tognazzini, San Luis Obispo, California.
1991b Various Notes. March 11 through March 17. In 100 Years Ago, 1891: Excerpts.from
the San Luis Obispo Morning Tribune, p. 31. W. N. Tognazzini, San Luis Obispo,
California.
1994a Cattle Shipping. May 29 through June 4. In 100 Years Ago, 1894: Excerpts from the
San Luis Obispo Morning Tribune, p. 71. W. N. Tognazzini, San Luis Obispo,
California.
1994b The Great Jubilee. May 1 through May 7. In 100 Years Ago, 1894: Excerpts from the
San Luis Obispo Morning Tribune, pp. 59-60. W. N. Tognazzini, San Luis Obispo,
California.
1994c Huntington Arrived. February 20 through February 26. In JOO Years Ago, 1894:
Excerpts from the San Luis Obispo Morning Tribune, p. 24. W. N. Tognazzini, San
Luis Obispo, California.
Railroad Safety Trail in the City of San Luis Obispo
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1994d More Improvement. May 15 through May 21. In JOO Years Ago, 1894: Excerpts from
the San Luis Obispo Morning Tribune, p. 67. W. N. Tognazzini, San Luis Obispo,
California.
1995 One Year Ago Today the Iron House Reached Our City. April 30 through May 6. In
100 Years Ago, 1891: Excerpts from the San Luis Obispo Morning Tribune, p. 45.
W. N. Tognazzini, San Luis Obispo, California.
1996 Grain Shipping. An Average Here of a Thousand Sacks Daily since July First. July 26
through August 1. In J00 Years Ago, 1896: Excerpts from the San Luis Obispo
Morning Tribune and Breeze, pp. 72-73. W. N. Tognazzini, San Luis Obispo,
California.
1997 The Union Creamery: It's Doing a Rushing Business Just Now. March 30 through
April 5. In 100 Years Ago, 1897: Excerpts from the San Luis Obispo Morning
Tribune, p. 29. W. N. Tognazzini, San Luis Obispo, California.
1998 Shipping Stock: Hunting Pasture to Tide Over Dry Year. April 5 through April 11. In
100 Years Ago, 1898: Excerpts from the San Luis Obispo Morning Tribune, p. 43.
W. N. Tognazzini, San Luis Obispo, California.
1999a Glimpses of the Silver Lining. March 26 through April 1. J 00 Years Ago, 1899. On
line edition, http://wntog.tripod.com/99.html, accessed October 2006.
Wilmar N. Tognazzini, Morro Bay, California.
1999b Pacific Coast Railway Notes. August 13 through August 19. J00 Years Ago, 1899. On
line edition, http://wntog.tripod.com/99.html, accessed October 2006.
Wilmar N. Tognazzini, Morro Bay, California.
2001a The County's Progress. November 17 through November 23. In 100 Years Ago, 1901:
Excerpts from the San Luis Obispo Morning Tribune, p. 121. W. N. Tognazzini, San
Luis Obispo, California.
2001b We Greet McKinley. May 5 through May 11. In 100 Years Ago, 1901: Excerpts from
the San Luis Obispo Morning Tribune, p. 50. W. N. Tognazzini, San Luis Obispo,
California.
Tribune, see San Luis Obispo Morning Tribune
Tritenbach, Paul
1989 San Luis Obispo Discoveries. Excellence Press, San Luis Obispo, California.
Wilson, Kelda
2006 Caltrans Principal Investigator-Prehistoric Archaeologist, electronic correspondence,
13 November.
2007 Section 106 Update, Railroad Safety Trail Phase III. Memorandum to Cathy Stettler,
Associate Environmental Planner. California Department of Transportation,
District 5, San Luis Obispo.
Railroad Safety Trail in the City of San Luis Obispo 25
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7
PREPARERS QUALIFICATIONS
WENDY M. NETTLES, RPA
Historical Archaeologist/Architectural Historian
M.A. Anthropology, Florida State University, 1996.
B.A. Anthropology, Florida State University, 1993.
Ms. Nettles specializes in historical archaeology and architectural history. She has performed
architectural evaluations of structures throughout California. Ms. Nettles has researched,
excavated, and analyzed extensive collections from Spanish colonial sites as well as post-
colonial urban and rural contexts. Her experience includes working in various capacities on
archaeological survey, testing, and data recovery excavations of both prehistoric and historical
sites throughout California, the American Southwest, and the southeastern United States.
Currently Ms. Nettles' roles include historian, field supervisor, and architectural historian. She
has overseen large testing and mitigation projects in Sacramento and San Luis Obispo,
participating in all phases of the investigations from prefield historical research through postfield
studies and report preparation.
RANDY BALOIAN
Historian/ Archaeologist
M.A. Anthropology, University of California, Davis, 1989.
B.A. Anthropology, California State University, Fresno, 1986.
In addition to archaeological survey, Mr. Baloian has performed archival research for a variety of
projects in the Central Valley, Sierra Nevada foothills, and central California coast. Since 2004,
he has regularly conducted cultural resources investigations for the City of San Luis Obispo.
Most of these studies involve archival research and an examination of both the general historical
themes of San Luis Obispo (e.g., railroads, ethnic enclaves, etc.) and the chronology of urban
development in the project-specific areas.
26 Railroad Safety Trail in the City of San Luis Obispo
HISTORICAL RESOURCES EVALUATION REPORT
8
MAPS
The following maps show the project vicinity (Map 1), project location (Map 2), and project
Area of Potential Effects for architectural resources (Map 3).
Railroad Safety Trail in the City of San Luis Obispo 27
HISTORICAL RESOURCES EVALUATION REPORT
28 Railroad Safety Trail in the City of San Luis Obispo
n
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C
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HISTORICAL RESOURCES EVALUATION REPORT
Pacific
Ocean
Point ===-="
Co nception
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Santa Barbara Channel
MAP 1 PROJECT VICINITY
Railroad Safety Trail in the City of San Luis Obispo
tN
10 20
Mil es
05-SLO-O-SLO
RPSTPLE 5016 (037)
EA 05-4A1954
30
29
HISTORICAL RESOURCES EVALUATION REPORT
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Confidential: Not for Public Distribution
U.S.G .S. 7.5 Minute
Topographic Quadrangle
San Luis Obispo, CA
T 30 S-R 12 E
1965, Photorevised 1979
MAP 2 PROJECT LOCATION
30
0
P rospec t·
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Contour Interval : 40 Feet
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Railroad Safety Trail in the City of San Luis Obispo
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HISTORICAL RESOURCES EVALUATION REPORT
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MAP 3 AREA OF POTENTIAL EFFECTS
Railroad Safety Trail in the City of San Luis Obispo
I
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LEGEND
Railroad Safety Trail
Area of Potential Effects
31
APPENDIX A
California DPR 523 Forms Documenting Cultural Resources
State of California -The Resources Agency
DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION
PRIMARY RECORD
Page 1 of 2 Other Listings
Review Code
Primary#
HRI#
Trinomial
NRHP Status Code
Reviewer
P1. Temporary Number/Resource Name: San Luis Obispo Southern Pacific Railroad Historic District
Date
P2. Location: a. County: San Luis Obispo • Not for Publication
b. USGS 7.5' Quad: San Luis Obispo, CA Date 1965 (photo revised 1979)
c. Address: 1076 Railroad A venue, San Luis Obispo, California 93401
D Unrestricted
T30S; R12E; Section 26,35
B.M.MD
d. UTM: NAO 1927, Zone 10; northern terminus: 713635 mE / 3906750 mN
southern terminus: 713600 mE / 3905350 mN
depot 713500 mE / 3906100 mN
e. Other Locational Data: Within the city limits of San Luis Obispo, the district extends along the railroad from the
San Luis Obispo Creek Railroad Bridge to the former site of the roundhouse, a distance of about 1 mile. Located
approximately in the center of the district, the San Luis Obispo Train Station lies near the intersection of Santa
Rosa Street and Railroad Avenue.
P3a. Description: The district consists of existing structures and the archaeological remains of nonextant structures directly
associated with the Southern Pacific Railroad, which first arrived in San Luis Obispo in 1894. These structures
include the train station, transportation building, warehouse, water tower, foundational remains of the roundhouse,
switching building, foundational remains of tool houses and a telephone shanty (CA-SL0-253 lH; P-40-002531 ), the
Johnson Avenue Railroad Bridge (CA-SL0-2529H; P-40-002529), and the San Luis Obispo Creek Railroad Bridge
CA-SL0-2530H; P-40-002530). The last three resources have been added to the original elements of the district as a
result of studies in 2006 (see expanded boundaries on attached location map).
P3b. Resource Attributes: (List attributes and codes) AH2 (foundations/structure pads), HP 17 (railroad depot), HP19
bridge)
P4. Resources Present: D Building D Structure D Object D Site • District D Element of District D Other:
P5a. Photograph or Drawing (photograph required for buildings, structures, and objects): None
P5b. Description of Photo:
P6. Date Constructed/Age: 1894 D Prehistoric
P7. Owner and Address: Union Pacific Railroad
Historic D Both
PB. Recorded By: R. Baloian; Applied Earth Works, Inc., 5090 N. Fruit Ave. #101, Fresno, CA 93711
P9. Date Recorded: April 5, 2007
P10. Survey Type: • Intensive D Reconnaissance D Other
Describe: Surveyed areas along railroad track in San Luis Obispo
P11. Report Citation:
Nettles, Wendy, and Randy Baloian
2007 Historical Resources Evaluation Report for the Railroad Safety Trail in the City of San Luis Obispo, San
Luis Obispo County, California. Applied Earth Works, Inc., Fresno, California. Submitted to the City of San
Luis Obispo and the California Department of Transportation.
Pavlik, Robert C.
1994 Historic Architectural Survey Report, San Luis Obispo Southern Pacific Railroad Historic District.
California Department of Transportation, District 5, San Luis Obispo.
Attachments: D NONE
DPR 523A (1/95)
D Building, Structure,
and Object Record
D Photograph Record
Location Map
D Archaeological Record
D Milling Station Record
D Other (list):
D Site/Sketch Map
D District Record
D Rock Art Record
D Continuation Sheet
D Linear Feature Record
D Artifact Record
Primary.doc[8-5-04]
State of California -The Resources Agency
DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION
LOCATION MAP
Page 2 of 2
Primary# P-
HRI #/Trinomial CA-
Temporary Number/Resource Name: San Luis Obispo Southern Pacific Railroad Historic District
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Confidential : Not for Public Distribution
DPR 523J (1/95)
U.S.G .S . 7.5 Minute
Topographic Quadrangle
San Luis Obispo, CA
T 30 S - R 12 E
1965 , Photorevised 1979
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tate of California
Memorandum
File
rom DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Bob Pavlik
District 05
Date
File No.
Business, Transportation and Housing Agency
February 17, 1994
SLO/SPRR Historic
District
E.A. 633901
Appears Eligible
ubject Architectural Inventory /Evaluation Form
1. Common Name: San Luis Obispo/Southern Pacific Railroad
Historic District
2. Historic Name: Southern Pacific Railroad Depot
3. Street Address: 1076 Railroad Avenue, San Luis Obispo,
California 93401
4. Parcel Number:
5. Present Owner: Southern Pacific Transportation Company, 1
Market Plaza, San Francisco, California (Privately owned)
6. Present Use: Railroad 7. Original use: Railroad
7a. Architectural Style: Spanish Colonial Revival and Railroad
vernacular
7b. Physical Description: The railroad station and support area
is comprised of a group of structures, dating from the late
nineteenth century to the mid-twentieth century that comprise the
vestiges of a once vibrant passenger, freight and railroad
maintenance facility. The buildings vary in type from simple
board and batten to stucco and steel. The district begins at the
intersection of Santa Rosa Street and Railroad Avenue, and
continues south along the tracks to the site of the turntable and
roundhouse east of Roundhouse Avenue. The district boundary falls
within the confines of the railroad right-of-way, and except for
that portion that crosses over the tracks at the northern end to
encompas·s-the·· water tower;· the-district continues south along the
western side of the tracks. Because the trackage has changed
over time in response to the needs of the railroad operation, the
tracks are considered a functional and integral component of the
ongoing operation itself, and therefore not a contributing
el-ement to the historic district. Pleas_e s_ee the indiv.:i.0,ual
building evaluation sheets for more complete descriptions.
8. Construction date(s): est. 1895-1943
9. Architect: Southern Pacific Railroad 10. Builder: SPRR
ll. Approximate property size: n/a
12. Date(s) of photographs: September, 1993.
13. Condition: Excellent z Good z Fair z Deteriorated z
14. Alterations: See individual building evaluation forms
15. Surroundings: Railroad yards; commercial/industrial;
residences
16. Threats to site: Neglect, vandalism, proposed development
17. The structure is: On its original site z moved unknown
18. Related features: See individual building evaluation forms
19. Significance: The San Luis Obispo Southern Pacific Railroad
Historic District represents the remaining buildings and features
associated with the arrival and development of the railroad in
the city of San Luis Obispo. The buildings span the time period
of the Southern Pacific's height of importance in the county,
from 1895 to 1943. The advent of the Southern Pacific in San Luis
Obispo County brought guaranteed growth and economic prosperity
to this once remote Central California county. The remaining
buildings and structures reflect the diversity of Southern
Pacific Railroad architecture, from the utilitarian warehouse
1895) to the simple yet attractive Spanish Colonial Revival
depot (1943). The water tower (1940) and roundhouse foundation
1895) are remnants of an obsolete technology. Together these
related resources point to the important role that the railroad
played in the development and maturation of the city of San Luis
Obispo. The surrounding residential neighborhood, although not a
part of this historic district, is also testimony to the
importance of the railroad in this city's history, as almost five
hundred individuals were employed at the Southern Pacific yard
during its heyday. The continued growth of the community and the
county, from the expanded agricultural opportunities to the
establishment of a state college (1903) and the location of
several nearby military bases during World War II were due, at
least in part, to the presence of the Southern Pacific Railroad
in San Luis Obispo County.
The district appears to meet National Register criteria (a) and
c). Of the eight properties evaluated, five are considered to be
cm1tributors, two are non-contributors (the bus shelter and the
switching building), and one property was demolished during the
study phase (the turntable).
20. Main theme of the historic resource: Architecture x
Economic/Industrial x
21. Sources: See bibliography in the HASR
22. Date form prepared: February 18, 1994
by: Robert C. Pavlik
Caltrans
P.O. Box 8114
San Luis Obispo, CA 93403-8114
State of California Business, Transportation and Housing Agency
Memorandum
To File Date
File No.
September 7, 1993
SLO Train Depot
E.A. 633901
Appears Eligible
From DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Bob Pavlik
Subject
District 05
Architectural Inventory/Evaluation Form
1. Common name: San Luis Obispo Train Station
2. Historic name: San Luis Obispo Southern Pacific Depot
3. Street address: 1076 Railroad Avenue, San Luis Obispo, CA
93401 4. Parcel number:
5. Present Owner: Southern Pacific Railroad, 1 Market Plaza, San
Francisco, CA (privately owned)
6. Present use: train depot 7. Original use: train depot
7a. Architectural style: Spanish Colonial Revival
7b. Physical Description: This Spanish Colonial Revival style
train station is comprised of a square two story office tower
flanked on two sides by single story wings of different heights.
The building is wooden balloon frame construction faced with
white stucco. A decorative frieze of tile runs underneath the
roof eaves. A brick chimney protrudes approximately four feet
from the south side of the tower roof. The entire structure is
roofed in red tile; the roof of the tower is hipped, while the
wings have simple gable roofs. The south wing roofline extends
downward in both directions (east and west) to form covered
walkways. These porches are supported by decorative capitals and
massive 12" diameter eight-sided columns, set on a concrete base.
There is an open breezeway between the tower and the north wing.
Simple vertical indentations are embossed into the tower's
exterior, giving the structure an interesting architectural
detail and providing the plain white surfaces much needed relief.
Two sets of tall arched four-light over two-light windows are
located-in the s-econd story of the tower in the-east and west
elevations. The north wing has a series of seven rectangular
aluminum frame sliding windows, presumably installed in place of
the original wood frame windows. Two exterior wall mounted air
conditioning units are attached to the outside of the north wing.
The south wing houses the waiting room and ticket office.
Although the ceiling and floor have been replaced, and the ticket
booth relocated and modernized, the south wing retains much of
its original appearance and character. The east and west entries
are virtually identical. The double wooden doors are surrounded
with brick. There is a wooden canopy that extends over the
doorway, and a four-light transom window above the canopy. The
doorway is flanked on both sides by a series of windows, four
lights above, eight lights through the middle, and four lights
below. The middle window at the bottom of the series is a drop or
hopper window. All doors and door hardware appear to be original.
The doors are wooden frame with large clear glass panels and
decorative iron handles. The benches appear to be original.
Restrooms are located on the ground floor of the tower section.
They have been remodeled for wheelchair accessibility.
The south gable end of the south wing has a decorative tile vent
in the gable wall, directly under the ridge. Below that is a
false lintel over four two-light windows in a transom-like
treatment. There is a large (8.5' wide by 10' high) opening in
the wall with a roll-up metal door. To the right of the door are
two four-light windows, and below them, two two-light drop or
hopper style windows.
The area surrounding the train depot and parking lot was re-
landscaped in 1987; however, there are some stately Canary Island
palm trees (Phoenix canariensis) both near the depot and across
from it, adjacent to the water tower, that warrant mention.
8. Construction Date: January-September, 1943.
9. Architect: unknown [Southern Pacific]
10. Builder: Theodore Maino: Maino Construction Company
11. Approx. property size: 157' x 38' 10 11
12. photo:
13. Condition: Excellent
14. Alterations: Site Improvements included paving of the parking
lot, installation of a curb and gutter, lighting, landscaping and
irrigation, and a pedestrian shelter. Interior alterations
included relocating and renovating the ticket counter, new
ceiling, lighting, and ceramic tile floor in the lobby, and
retr-ofit of restrooms to make them wheelchair accessible. All
work took place between March-December, 1987 by A.J. Diani
Construction Company, Inc. of Santa Maria.
15. surroundings: industrial and commercial.
16. Threats to site: none known.
17. The structure is on its original site.
18. Related features:
19. Significance: The San Luis Obispo train depot is significant
both architecturally and historically, and appears to be eligible
for listing to the National Register of Historic Places under
criteria (a) and (c). Architecturally it is an understated yet
elegant example of Spanish Colonial Revival architecture,
popularized during the 1915 fairs held in San Diego and San
Francisco to commemorate the opening of the Panama Canal. Spanish
Colonial Revival was an outgrowth of the Mission Revival style,
which was widely used in railroad stations throughout California
at the turn of the century.
Historically it is unusual to see structures built during World
War II survive into the modern era. Many buildings erected at the
time were of the roost rudimentary design and construction, given
the paucity of building materials available and the lack of
qualified civilian architects, draftsmen, and builders to carry
out such projects. That the San Luis Obispo train station was
built during the height of the war is testimony to the importance
of the railroad to the central coast, and to the war effort on
the home front. Camp Roberts and Camp San Luis Obispo were two of
the largest training camps for army troops in the United States,
serving as training grounds for almost 500,000 military personnel
during the war years. In addition, the nearby proximity of other
military reservations, including Fort Hunter Liggett in southern
Monterey County and Camp Cooke in northern Santa Barbara County
meant that many thousands of troops were pouring through San Luis
Obispo's train station daily. The shabby and inadequate
facilities that greeted them were replaced with a modern
structure that emphasized San Luis Obispo's romantic Hispanic
past, while its utilitarian nature indicated the importance of
train travel in modern life.
20. Main theme of the historic resource: Architecture (1),
Military (2), Economic/Industrial (3)
21. Sources: Dan Krieger, "A Continuing View of our Past," La
Vista vol. 4 no. 2 (1981).
Lucille Sanders Recalls: Gis and Mice·crowded Depot," La Vista
vol. 4 no. 2 (1981).
San Luis Obispo Telegram-Tribune, January 9, 1943; August 31,
1943; September 4, 1943; September 6, 1943; August 15, 1984;
December 11, 1987.
Letter, Wayne A. Peterson, City of San Luis Obispo Engineer to
Michael J. Diani, Diani Construction Company, Inc., February 27,
1987.
22 • Date f_onn .prepared: S_eptemher 7-, 199 3
by Robert C. Pavlik, Associate Environmental Planner
District 05, Department of Transportation
P.O. Box 8114
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
805.549.3621
State of California Business, Transportation and Housing Agency
Memorandum
To File Date
File No.
February 18, 1994
SP Transportation
Building
E.A. 633901
Appears Eligible
From DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Bob Pavlik
Subject
District 05
Architectural Inventory/Evaluation Form
1. Common Name: Southern Pacific Transportation Company Building
2. Historic Name: Same as above
3. Street Address: 1076 Railroad Avenue, San Luis Obispo, CA
93401.
4. Parcel Number:
5. Present Owner: Southern Pacific Railroad, 1 Market Plaza, San
Francisco, CA (privately owned)
6. Present use: offices 7. Original use: same
7a. Architectural Style: utilitarian
7b. Physical Description: This simple rectangular single-story
structure is of wood balloon frame construction. The exterior
walls are covered in stucco. The hipped gable roof is covered in
asphalt shingles, underneath which is a layer of split shake
shingles. The roof's end beams are exposed, and there is metal
guttering and downspouts all around. A brick chimney protrudes
from the southwest quadrant of the roof. The north wall has one
wooden door along with one double hung sash window, 3/1. The west
wall has one wooden door set into the middle of the wall with a
3-lite transom above the door. There is one additional 3-lite
window and two double hung sash windows, 3/1. The outline of a
covered over freight door can be seen in the wall. Th'e south wall
has one glass door with wooden frame and a boarded up transom
above. The east wall, facing the railroad tracks, has two double
hung sash windows, 3/1; one ten foot by ten foot wooden cargo
door; one glass door with wooden frame and a boarded up transom
above; and two plate glass windows with five square fixed lights
above each rectangular pane of glass.
8. Construction date: estimated 1901-1913.
9. Architect: unknown [Southern Pacific]
10. Builder: unknown
11. Approx. property size: 25' x 75 1
12. Photo:
13. Condition: good
14. Alterations: Stucco applied to exterior walls; covering of
the original split shake shingles with asphalt shingles; one of
the double hung sash windows on the east wall has had a series of
three vertical metal bars installed as an anti-intruder device.
15. Surroundings: industrial and commercial.
16. Threats to site: none known.
17. The structure is on its original site.
18. Related features: none.
19. Significance: Along with the San Luis Obispo train station,
the water tank, warehouse, and roundhouse foundation, the
Southern Pacific Transportation building appears to be eligible
for the National Register of Historic Places under Criteria (a).
The structure appears to date from the time period when Edward H.
Harriman controlled the Southern Pacific (1901-1913). The
building resembles other similar structures that were built
during Harriman's tenure, and is evident of his zeal for
standardization and uniformity. Its significance comes in regard
to its association with the other nearby railroad-related
structures, as it is an early and extant example of the once-
large complex of rail facilities at San Luis Obispo.
20. Main theme of the historic resource: economic/industrial.
21. Sources: John Snyder, Chief, Architectural and Historical
Studies, Environmental Division, Caltrans, personal
communication, October 18, 1993.
22. Date form prepared: February 18, 1994
by Robert c. Pavlik, Associate Environmental Planner
District 05, Department of Transportation
P.O. Box 8114
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
805.549.3621
State of California Business, Transportation and Housing Agency
Memorandum
To File Date
File No.
February 18, 1994
SLO Train Depot:
Warehouse
E.A. 633901
Appears Eligible
From DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Bob Pavlik
Subject
District 05
Architectural Inventory/Evaluation Form
1. Common Name: Southern Pacific Warehouse
2. Historic Name: Same
3. Address: Adjacent to Southern Pacific Railroad tracks, south
of Railroad Avenue, San Luis Obispo, California 93401
4. Parcel Number:
5. Present Owner: Southern Pacific Company, 1 Market Plaza, San
Francisco, California (privately owned)
6. Present Use: Vacant 7. Original Use: Warehouse
7a. Architectural style: Utilitarian warehouse
7b. Physical Description: This long, rectangular structure has a
truncated gable roof. That is, there is no roof line or peak to
the roof; the top of the roof is flat, and the side gables extend
down, forming overhanging eaves on both sides of the building.
Decorative corbels support the eaves. The roof is sheathed in
corrugated metal. The walls are covered in 1 x 6 horizontal wood
siding, and the gable ends are faced with wood shingles. A
corrugated metal eave protrudes from the south gable. There are
four loading doors along the west side of the building, with
massive horizontal wooden bumpers. The foundation is both red
brick and wood timbers. A loading platform surrounds the
structure on the north and east sides; it is composed of brick,
concrete, and steel rail. The asphalt in the platform reportedly
originated in Price Canyon, approximately ten miles south of San
Luis Obispo. The steel rails are embossed with the maker's mark
and date, "Scranton 1888 Stee-1."
8. Construction date: estimated 1895
9. Architect: unknown
10. Builder: unknown
11. Approximate property size: 50' x 170'
12. Date of photographs: September 16, 1993
13. Condition: deteriorated
14. Alterations: boarded windows, some of the original doors
appear to have been replaced
15. Surroundings: Industrial/commercial
16. Threats to site: homeless individuals, others are occupying
the building as a "flophouse"
17. The structure is on its original site.
18. Related features: none.
19. Significance: This property appears to be eligible for the
National Register of Historic Places under Criteria (a). The
Southern Pacific warehouse is the only surviving structure of a
complex of railroad facilities (depot, roundhouse, supply houses,
ice house, trainmen's quarters, railroad offices, and other
warehouses) built in the mid-1890s, following the completion of
the railroad line to San Luis Obispo from Santa Margarita. The
building is a reminder of the importance that shipping played in
the economic growth and development of the county. The warehouse
may have an association with the real estate developer and
entrepreneur C.H. Phillips, who was responsible for the
development of the town of Templeton. The warehouse was used to
store and ship building materials to all parts of the county, and
therefore played an important role in the physical development of
the city of San Luis Obispo as well as the south county area
serviced by the Pacific Coast Railroad.
20. Main theme of the historic resource: economic/industrial
21. Sources:
David Eddy, "What Fate Awaits Freight Building?" San Luis Obispo
Telegram-Tribune, February 9, 1994, A-1.
Historic Resources Inventory: Railroad Warehouse," a DPR 523
completed April, 1983.
Krieger, Dan to Wendy Waldron, personal communication.
Krieger, Daniel E. Looking Backward into the Middle Kingdom: San
Luis Obispo. Northridge: Windsor Press, 1988.
Nicholson, Loren. Rails Across the Ranchos. Fresno: Valley
Publishers, 1980.
22. Date f_orro prepared: F.ebruary l8 , 19-9 4
by Robert C. Pavlik, Associate Environmental Planner
District 05, Department of Transportation
P.O. Box 8114
San Luis Obispo, CA 93403-8114
805.549.3621
State of California Business, Transportation and Housing Agency
Memorandum
To File Date
File No.
February 18, 1994
SLO Train Depot: Water
Tower
E.A. 633901
Appears Eligible
From DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Bob Pavlik
Subject
District 05
Architectural Inventory/Evaluation Form
1. Common Name: Southern Pacific Water Tower
2. Historic Name: Same
3. Address: Adjacent to Southern Pacific Railroad tracks, east of
Railroad Avenue, San Luis Obispo, California 93401
4. Parcel Number:
5. Present Owner: City of San Luis Obispo, 990 Palm Street, San
Luis Obispo, California 93401
6. Present Use: none 7. Original Use: Water tower
7a. Architectural style: Utilitarian water tower
7b. Physical Description: A riveted steel water tank,
approximately twenty feet in diameter and fifteen feet tall, with
a wood cover. A wooden volume indicator panel hangs on the
outside of the tank, as well as a length of steel ladder. The
tank has a capacity of app. 65,000 gallons. The tank is resting
on top of a series of steel rails that serve as the platform for
the tank. The platform is approximately 35' above ground level.
The tank and platform are supported by twelve 10" x 10 11 wood
posts placed on concrete pads 18 11 square. The concrete pads rest
on a concrete foundation. There are numerous 4" x 6" cross beams
among and between the posts. An 18" diameter steel pipe descends
from the bottom of the water tank, makes a ninety degree turn and
runs for ten feet before intersecting a forty-five degree elbow,
at which point the pipe runs d-ownhi-11 a-nd i-n-to-the ground.
8. Construction date: 1940
9. Architect: unknown
10. Builder: unknown [Southern Pacific]
11. Approximate property size: 25' x 25'
12. Date of photographs: September 16, 1993
13. Condition: Good
14. Alterations: the concrete foundation and pads have been
replaced within the last ten years.
15. Surroundings: Railroad/Industrial to the west, residential to
the east.
16. Threats to site: vandalism.
17. The structure is on its original site.
18. Related features: Switching building immediately west of the
water tank.
19. Significance: This property appears to be eligible for the
National Register of Historic Places under Criteria (a). The
water tank was erected in 1940 at a cost of $2,130 for the
purpose of refilling the boilers on the Southern Pacific
Railroad's steam engines. The tank was in use until 1956
when the introduction of diesel-electric engines rendered the
water tower obsolete. It is not known how many water towers still
survive along the railroad tracks of California and the American
West, but because of their obsolescence and perceived rarity,
they constitute a resource worthy of preservation.
20. Main theme of the historic resource: economic/industrial
21. Sources: Interpretive sign on display at the Southern Pacific
Railroad depot, San Luis Obispo, California.
22. Date form prepared: February 18, 1994
by Robert C. Pavlik, Associate Environmental Planner
District 05, Department of Transportation
P.O. Box 8114
San Luis Obispo, CA 93403-8114
805.549.3621
State of California Business, Transportation and Housing Agency
M e m o ran d u m
ro File Date
File No.
February 18, 1994
SLO Train Depot:
Turntable and Roundhouse
foundations
E.A. 633901
Appears Eligible
rom DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Bob Pavlik
District 05
ubject Architectural Inventory/Evaluation Form
1. Common Name: Southern Pacific Turntable, Roundhouse
foundations only) 2. Historic name: same
3. Address: Adjacent to Southern Pacific Railroad tracks, at the
end of Roundhouse Avenue, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
4. Parcel Number:
5. Present Owner: Southern Pacific Company, 1 Market Plaza, San
Francisco, CA 93401 (privately owned)
6. Present Use: none 7. Original Use: To direct locomotives
into the appropriate roundhouse bay for maintenance and repair
7a .. Architectural Style: Utilitarian structures; roundhouse
foundations are concrete, flush with ground level surface;
turntable pit has been filled in, only the concrete retaining
wall with the date 11 1923" is still visible.
7b. Physical description: TURNTABLE: The turntable consisted of a
round ring of concrete, approximately 75 feet in diameter, set
into the ground two feet deep. The turntable was directly
adjacent to the railroad tracks; its east wall formed part of the
embankment of the railroad tracks. The date "1923" is embossed in
the concrete east wall. The floor of the turntable was concrete.
Along the inside diameter of the concrete ring was a steel rail
set on wooden ties. The superstructure, known as a "turntable
bridge," was made of riveted steel girders with a wooden decking.
A graded roadbed leading ·from the railroad tracks to the
turntable is still evident, although the rails and ties have been
removed.
ROUNDHOUSE: Only the concrete foundation of the roundhouse is
still intact and visible. The structure was razed in 1959-1960,
and the bays backfilled.
8: Gonstr-ucticm dates: ROUNDHOUSE: 1894 TURNTABLE: 1923
9. Architect: unknown [Southern Pacific Company]
10. Builder: unknown
11. Approximate property size: ROUNDHOUSE: 100 1 x 250';
TURNTABLE: 75 1 diameter
12. Photographs:
13. Condition: ROUNDHOUSE: deteriorated; TURNTABLE: deteriorated.
14. Alterations: The roundhouse was razed in 1959-1960; the
turntable bridge was removed in November, 1993, and the pit
filled in January and February, 1994.
15. Surroundings: Industrial/commercial
16. Threats to site: vandalism, development.
17. The structures are on their original site
18. Related features: none
19. Significance: The turntable was significant both as an
engineering artifact and as a historic resource. It was of
interest as an engineering artifact because of its use as a
device to move steam locomotives into and out of the roundhouse
bays for maintenance and repair, and of historic significance as
a remnant artifact of the large complex of railroad related
facilities that made San Luis Obispo a hub of activity for the
Southern Pacific Railroad.
20: Main theme of the historic resource: Economic/industrial
21. Sources: John Snyder, Chief, Architectural and Historical
Studies, Environmental Division, Caltrans, personal
communication, October 18, 1993.
22. Date form prepared: February 18, 1994
by Robert C. Pavlik, Associate Environmental Planner
District 05, Department of Transportation
P.O. Box 8114
San Luis Obispo, CA 93403-8114 805.549.3621
tate of California Business, Transportation and Housing Agency
Vlemorandum
File Date
File No.
February 18, 1994
SP Switching Building
E.A. 633901
Appears Ineligible
From DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Bob Pavlik
Subject
District 05
Architectural Inventory/Evaluation Form
l. Common Name: Southern Pacific Transportation Company Switching
Building
2. Historic Name: Same as above
3. Street Address: 1076 Railroad Avenue, San Luis Obispo,
California 93401
4. Parcel Number:
5. Present Owner: Southern Pacific Transportation Company, 1
Market Plaza, San Francisco, California (privately owned)
6. Present use: none 7. Original use: as a switching building
7a. Architectural Style: Railroad utilitarian
7b. Physical Description: this simple rectangular building is of
wooden balloon frame construction, sheathed in vertical board and
batten siding. The boards display circular saw marks, indicating
a possible date of construction as early as the 1870s. The gable
roof is covered in asphalt shingles; a fire (date unknown) has
gutted the building and severely damaged the roof. There are
numerous windows and doors in the building. The windows are
double hung, six over six and multiple pane fixed windows. There
is evidence that some of the windows have been converted into
doorways, and vice-versa. A later wood frame shed addition is
attached to the east portion of the building.
8. Construction date: estimated 1870s, with numerous alterations
and add-itions.
9. Architect: Southern Pacific Transportation Co.
10. Builder: Southern Pacific Transportation Co.
11. Approximate property size: 25 1 x 50'.
12. Photo.: see attached.
13. Condition: deteriorated.
14. Alterations: Numerous alterations made to the buildings'
doors and windows; the addition of a shed on the exterior east
wall; many of the windows have been broken out, and replaced with
chain link fencing material.
15. Surroundings: Residential to the east, railroad commercial to
the west.
16. Threats to site: vandalism.
17. The structure is believed to have been moved to this location
at some unknown time in the past.
18. Related features: water tank immediately east of the
building.
19. Significance: Because of the utilitarian nature of this
building, its deteriorated condition, and its numerous
alterations, it has been determined that this structure does not
possess sufficient significance to qualify it as a contributing
element to the proposed San Luis Obispo Southern Pacific Historic
District.
20. Main theme of the historic resource: economic/industrial.
21. Sources: .John Snyder, Chief, Architectural and Historical
Studies, Environmental Division, Caltrans, personal
communication, October 18, 1993.
22. Date form prepared: February 18, 1994
by Robert C. Pavlik
District 05, Department of Transportation
P.O. Box 8114
San Luis Obispo, CA 93403
805.549.3621
Map of Southern and Central Pacific Railroad lines in California
and Nevada, depicting "the gap" between Santa Margarita and
Ellwood in 1889. From Loren Nicholson, Rails Across the Ranchos
1980). Reprinted by permission.
SAN
0
r-<2:::::::::::::::::::::1 / . -....L.-----'·,o11·,),.. ............ _l
rr u______ ··..,
l..J. ,...,,;,
A D
r
0
i.
I
1
Southern Pacific Railroad "Coast Line" from San Francisco to San
Luis Obispo, circa 1894. From Loren Nicholson, Rails Across the
Ranchos (1980). Reprinted by permission.
MAP OF
COAST LINE
FROM
SAN 1RAN01SCO
TO
SAN LUJS OBISPO
Southern Pacific Company map showing the fifty-five mile gap
between Surf and Ellwood, circa 1896. From Loren Nicholson, Rails
Across the Ranchos (1980). Reprinted by permission.
C
MAP
Broad & Narrow Gauge .
AND CONNECTIONS.
I
view to west
San Luis Obispo Southern Pacific Train Station
view to southeast
Southern Pacific Transportation Building
view to SE
Bus shelter, view to east
view to NE
Southern Pacific Warehouse building
view to SW
I;~ ,,..,
Southern Pacifi~_water tank
S.P. switching building and water tank, looking NE
S.P. turntable and bridge, looking SW; roundhouse foundation in background
S.P. turntable and bridge, looking NW
I Ii
STATE C',F CALIFORNIA-THE RESOURCES AGENCY PETE WILSON, Govsmor
OFFICE OF HISTORIC PRESERVATION
DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION
P.O. BOX 942896
SACRAMENTO 94296-0001
916) 653-6624
FAX: (916) 653-9824
916) 653-6624
916) 653-9824
MAYO 9 1994
May 4, 1994
Roger Borg, Division Administrator
Region Nine .
Federal Highway Administration
ca~ifornia Division
960 9th Street
SACRAMENTO CA 95814-2724
FHWA940415A
Re: Additions to the San Luis Obispo Amtrak Train Station,
San Luis Obispo, San Luis Obispo County.
Dear Mr. Borg:
Thank you for submitting to our office your April 14, 1994
letter and supporting documentation regarding the proposed
addition to the San Luis Obispo Amtrak Train Station, San Luis
Obispo, San Luis Obispo County. The proposed project involves
the additions of two free-standing open~air ramadas, one along the
east side of the building (facing the tracks), and one on the
north end of the building to provide shade and rain protection to
travelers waiting for the train or claiming baggage.
You are seeking our comments on your determination of the
eligibility-of-the--San-Luis-Obispo--Amtrak---Train-Station .... for---·-·------
inclusion on the National Register of Historic. Places (NRHP) in
accordance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation
Act. The train station is made up of the following components:
0 San Luis Obispo Southern Pacific Train Depot
0 Southern Pacific Transportation Company Building
0 Southern Pacific Railroad Warehouse
0 Southern Pacific Water Tower and tank
0 southern Pacific Roundhouse foundation
0 Southern Pacific Turntable foundation
0 Bus Shelter
0 southern Pacific Transportation Company switching Building
our review of the submitted documentation leads us to concur
that the all of the above properties, with the exception of the
Bus Shelter and the Southern Pacific Transportation Company
switching Building, are eligible for inclusion on the National
Register of Historic Places under Criterion A and C as
contributing elements to the San Luis Obispo Southern Pacific
Railroad Historic District at the level of local significance, as
defined in 36 CFR 60.4: All of the structures have retained
characteristics of design and materials that are representative of
their respective periods of significance in the historic
development of the district. We also agree that structures such
as the water tower, the turntable, and the warehouse, though
deteriorated and in disarray, still retain elements that lend
historic integrity to the district.
We would be interested in viewing any drawings or plans
associated with the proposed ramada project. Will these features
closely match the appearance of the building? Please keep us
informed.
Thank you again for seeking ·our comments on your project.
If you-have any questions, please contact staff historian Clarence
Caesar at (916) 653-8902.
Cheril Widell
state Historic Preservation Officer
C
J
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State of California -The Resources Agency
DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION
PRIMARY RECORD
Page 1 of 3 Other Listings
Review Code
Primary# P-40-002529
HRI#
Trinomial CA-SL0-2529H
NRHP Status Code 5Sl
Reviewer Date
P1. Temporary Number/Resource Name: Johnson Avenue Railroad Bridge
P2. Location: a. County: San Luis Obispo
b. USGS 7.5' Quad: San Luis Obispo, CA
c. Address:
D Not for Publication
Date 1965 (revised 1994)
d. UTM: NAO 27, Zone 10; 713550 mE / 3906500 mN
Unrestricted
T 30S ; R12E; Section 26
Mt. Diablo B.M.
e. Other Locational Data: The bridge spans Johnson Avenue just east of Buchon Street in San Luis Obispo.
P3a. Description: This bridge carries the Union Pacific Railroad, formerly the Southern Pacific Raiload, rails over Johnson
Avenue in San Luis Obispo . The single span through girder bridge is supported by two simple concrete U-abutments.
A commemorative plaque on the southern abutment states that the bridge was constructed in 1957. Closely-spaced
transverse flange beams , which are connected directly to the riveted steel girders, form the base of the ballasted deck
floor system. The walls that retain the ballast are metal sheets that are welded and bolted to the flange angles. Each
bridge seat has been strengthened by the addition of steel supports . These supports , which are of different
manufacture than other members of the bridge, appear to be a later addition.
P3b. Resource Attributes: (List attributes and codes): HP19 (bridge)
P4. Resources Present: D Building • Structure D Object D Site D District D Element of District D Other:
PS. Photograph or Drawing(photograph required for buildings, structures, and objects): Bridge, looking east.
P6. Date Constructed/Age:
D Prehistoric
Historic (1957)
D Both
P7. Owner and Address:
Union Pacific Railroad
340 Guadalupe Street
Guadalupe , CA 93434
P8. Recorded By: R. Baloian
Applied Earth Works, Inc.
5090 N. Fruit Ave. #101
Fresno, CA 93711
P9. Date Recorded: 11 /8/06
P10. Survey Type:
Intensive
D Reconnaissance
D Other
Describe: Survey and
bridge evaluation for the
construction of a bike
path .
P11. Report Citation:
Nettles, Wendy M ., and Randy Baloian
2007 Historical R esources Evaluation R eport for th e Railroad Safety Trail in th e City of San Luis Obispo, San
Luis Obispo County, California. Applied Earth Works, Inc ., Fresno , California. Submitted to City of San Luis
Obispo Department of Public Works and California Department of Transportation , San Luis Obispo.
Attachments: D NONE
Building, Structure,
and Object Record
D Photograph Record
DPR 523A (1/95)
Location Map
D Archaeological Record
D Milling Station Record
D Other (list):
D Site/Sketch Map
D District Record
D Rock Art Record
D Continuation Sheet
D Linear Feature Record
D Artifact Record
Primary.doc[S-5-04]
State of California -The Resources Agency
DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION
Primary#
HRI #/Trinomial
P-40-002529
CA-SL0-2529H
BUILDING, STRUCTURE, AND OBJECT RECORD
NRHP Status Code 5Sl
Page 2 of 3 Resource Name or No.: Johnson A venue Railroad Bridge
81. Historic Name: Johnson Avenue Railroad Bridge
82. Common Name: Johnson Avenue Railroad Bridge
83. Original Use: Railroad bridge 84. Present Use: Railroad bridge
85. Architectural Style: Single span through girder
86. Construction History (construction date, alterations, and dates of alterations): Prior to the construction of the current
bridge, traffic was conveyed below the railroad via a narrow, one-lane underpass. In the mid-1950s, the City of San
Luis Obispo, probably in conjunction with the Southern Pacific Railroad, undertook a project to widen the underpass
to four lanes. A city plaque commemorating the opening of the Johnson Underpass was dedicated in 1957, which no
doubt also corresponds to the completion date of the bridge. Except for the addition of steel supports to each seat, the
bridge appears to have retained its original form.
87. Moved?: • No D Yes D Unknown Date: Original Location:
88. Related Features: None
89. a. Engineer: H. Neil Warren (underpass) b. Builder: Madonna Construction (underpass)
810. Significance: Theme: Railroad Area: Central Coast
Period of Significance: 1901-1959 Property Type: Bridge Applicable Criteria: A,B,C,D
Discuss importance in terms of historical or architectural context as defined by theme, period, and geographic scope. Also address integrity.)
The bridge is associated with the Coast Line of the Southern Pacific Railroad, which was completed in 1901. The
Coast Line served to stimulate the economy and social life of San Luis Obispo and other towns along its route. Until
the late 1950s, when low-maintenance diesel engines replaced steam locomotives, the train terminal at San Luis
Obispo employed as many as 100 workers.
The Johnson A venue Railroad Bridge was built at a time when trains were still a major mode of transportation and the
railroad industry occupied a central position in the state and national economy; because of this association, it is
included in the San Luis Obispo Railroad Historic District. The bridge is not, however, a particularly good
representation of that period and does not effectively convey the importance of the Coast Line during the first half of
the 20th century. The bridge is not associated with any significant events or persons. The Railway Engineering and
Maintenance Cyclopedia considered this bridge type and construction method common enough that it is discussed first
and in the greatest detail in the bridge section of the manual (Howard 1948). It is therefore not architecturally distinct,
nor does it add to the history of bridge construction. Although the bridge is included in the City of San Luis Obispo's
railroad district plan and may be a resource of local interest, it does not appear individually eligible for the National
Register, nor does it contribute to the significance of the San Luis Obispo Southern Pacific Railroad Historic District.
B11. Additional Resource Attributes (list attributes and codes):
812. References: Howard, Neal D. (editor)
1948 Railway Engineering & Maintenance Cyclopedia.
7th ed. Simmons-Boardman, Chicago, Illinois.
813. Remarks: The evaluation was conducted for a proposed
pedestrian and bike path along the railroad.
814. Evaluator: Wendy M. Nettles
Date of Evaluation: November 8, 2006
This space reserved for official comments.
DPR 523B (1/95)
Sketch Map
Required Information
C
C
C
C
C
0
State of California -The Resources Agency
DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION
LOCATION MAP
Page 3 of 3
Temporary Number/Resource Name: Johnson Avenue Railroad Bridge
Rad,o To ·,er 1'i\
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Confidential : Not for Public Distribution
U.S.G.S. 7 .5 Minute
Topographic Quadrangle
San Luis Obispo, CA
T 30 S -R 12 E
1965 , Photorevised 1979
DPR 523J (1/95)
Radio Tower
KATY)
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Primary # P-40-002529
HRI #/Trinomial CA-SL0-2529H
P,o~r,P c t ·
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Prepared by Applied Earthworks, Inc .
tN
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Contour Interval: 40 Feet
State of California -The Resources Agency
DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION
PRIMARY RECORD
Page 1 of 3 Other Listings
Review Code
Primary# P-40-002530
HRI#
Trinomial CA-SL0-2530H
NRHP Status Code 3D
Reviewer Date
P1. Temporary Number/Resource Name: San Luis Obispo Creek Railroad Bridge
P2. Location: a. County: San Luis Obispo
b. USGS 7.5' Quad: San Luis Obispo, CA
D Not for Publication
Date 1965 (revised 1994)
Unrestricted
T 30S; R 12E; Section 26
Mt. Diablo B.M. c. Address:
d. UTM: NAO 27 , Zone 10; 713635 mE / 3906750 mN
e. Other Locational Data: The bridge spans the creek between Johnson Avenue and Marsh Street in San Luis
Obispo.
P3a. Description: This bridge carries the Union Pacific Railroad, formerly the Southern Pacific Railroad, over San Luis
Obispo Creek. This structure is a single-span through-girder bridge. It is supported on abutments fashioned from
granite blocks. These abutments are simple breast abutments with stepped-down wings. Transverse floor beams are
connected directly to the girders. Pairs of short stringer spans are riveted to each floor beam. Lateral angles, which
provide additional support, are riveted to the same plate used to attach the floor beams to the girders. A small metal
plate embossed with "1901" is attached to the center of the western girder, marking the bridge's year of construction.
The rust preventative applied to this bridge is badly weathered and peeling.
P3b. Resource Attributes: (List attributes and codes) HP19 (bridge)
P4. Resources Present: D Building • Structure D Object D Site D-District D Element of District D Other:
P5. Photograph or Drawing (photograph required for buildings, structures, and objects): Bridge, looking northeast.
P6. Date Constructed/Age:
D Prehistoric
Historic (1901)
D Both
P7. Owner and Address:
Union Pacific Railroad
340 Guadalupe Street
Guadalupe, CA 93434
PB. Recorded By: R. Baloian
Applied Earth Works, Inc .
5090 N . Fruit Ave. #101
Fresno, CA 93711
P9. Date Recorded: 11/8/06
P10. Survey Type:
Intensive
D Reconnaissance
D Other
Describe: Survey and
bridge evaluation for the
construction of a bike path.
P11. Report Citation:
Nettles, Wendy M., and Randy Baloian
2007 Historical Resources Evaluation Report for the Railroad Safety Trail in the City of San Luis Obispo , San
Luis Obispo County, California. Applied Earth Works, Inc., Fresno, California. Submitted to the City of San
Luis Obispo Department of Public Works and California Department of Transportation, San Luis Obispo.
Attachments: D NONE
DPR 523A (1/95)
Building, Structure ,
and Object Record
D Photograph Record
Location Map
D Archaeological Record
D Milling Station Record
D Other (list):
D Site/Sketch Map
D District Record
D Rock Art Record
D Continuation Sheet
D Linear Feature Record
D Artifact Record
Primary.doc[8-5-04]
State of California -The Resources Agency
DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION
Primary#
HRI #/Trinomial
BUILDING, STRUCTURE, AND OBJECT RECORD
NRHP Status Code
P-40-002530
CA-SL0-2530H
3D
Page 2 of 3 Resource Name or No.: San Luis Obispo Creek Railroad Bridge
B1. Historic Name: San Luis Obispo Creek Railroad Bridge
B2. Common Name: San Luis Obispo Creek Railroad Bridge
B3. Original Use: Railroad bridge B4. Present Use: Railroad bridge
B5. Architectural Style: Single span through girder
B6. Construction History (construction date, alterations, and dates of alterations): The bridge was constructed the same
year the Coast Line was completed, but it is likely that it was built after March 31, 1901 when the railway officially
opened. Signor (1994:21) explains that the last spike actually had been driven as early as December 30, 1900, but the
subsequent three months were spent on ballasting and surfacing the track and erecting necessary support facilities
rather than major upgrades. Except for a few minor alterations, the bridge appears to have retained its original form.
B7. Moved?: II No O Yes O Unknown Date: Original Location:
B8. Related Features: None
B9. a. Architect: Unknown b. Builder: Southern Pacific Railroad
B10. Significance: Theme: Railroad Area: Central Coast
Period of Significance: 1901-1959 Property Type: Railroad bridge Applicable Criteria: A,B
Discuss importance in terms of historical or architectural context as defined by theme, period, and geographic scope. Also address integrity.)
The bridge is associated with the Coast Line of the Southern Pacific Railroad (SPR), which was completed in 1901.
The Coast Line served to stimulate the economy and social life of San Luis Obispo and other towns along its route.
Until the late 1950s, when low-maintenance diesel engines replaced steam locomotives, the train terminal at San Luis
Obispo employed as many as 100 workers.
Built in 1901, the same year the SPR completed the Coast Line connecting San Francisco with Los Angeles, the San
Luis Creek Railroad Bridge is associated with the period of significance for the SPR operations in San Luis Obispo
and on the Central Coast. Because of this association, the bridge has been included in the San Luis Obispo Southern
Pacific Railroad Historic District. The bridge is not associated with any significant persons, such as a prominent
engineer or bridge architect (Criterion B) and is identical to the structure that carries the Union Pacific RR rails over
Monterey Street two blocks away. The through-girder construction is common; the bridge is therefore not
architecturally distinct, nor does it contribute to the history of bridge construction (Criteria C and D). The bridge was
not the original structure that carried the first train across the creek in 1894 when the SPR arrived in San Luis
Obispo; nevertheless, the bridge functioned throughout virtually the entire period of significance for the railroad.
Moreover, it has essentially remained unaltered and retains integrity. Consequently, based on its association with
important events and developments (Criterion A), the San Luis Obispo Creek Railroad Bridge appears to be a
contributing element of the San Luis Obispo Southern Pacific Railroad Historic District, which is . eligible
for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places.
B11. Additional Resource Attributes (list attributes and codes):
B12. References: Howard, Neal D. (editor)
1948 Railway Engineering & Maintenance Cyclopedia. 7th ed. Simmons-Boardman Publishing Corporation,
Chicago, Illinois.
Signor, John R.
1994 Southern Pacific's Coast Line. Signature Press.
B13. Remarks: The evaluation was conducted for the proposed
construction of a path along the railroad.
B14. Evaluator: Wendy M. Nettles
Date of Evaluation: November 8, 2006
This space reserved for official comments.
DPR 523B (1/95)
Sketch Map
Required Information
State of California -The Resources Agency
DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION
LOCATION MAP
Page 3 of 3
Primary # P-40-002530
HRI #/Trinomial CA-SL0-2530H
Temporary Number/Resource Name: San Luis Obispo Creek Railroad Bridge
l
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wa er . ..,1
Tan~
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l ~,,I
I
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Confidential: Not for Public Distribution
U .S.G.S. 7.5 Minute
Topographic Quadrangle
San Luis Obispo, CA
T 30 S - R 12 E
1965, Photorevised 1979
D DPR 523J (1/95)
Waler
P,o,pect ·
I '
Prepared by Applied EarthWorks, Inc .
tN
0
Miles
Contour Interval: 40 Feet
n
C
r.
lJ
State of California -The Resources Agency
DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION
PRIMARY RECORD
Page 1 of 4 Other Listings
Review Code
P1. Temporary Number/Resource Name: WR-lH
P2. Location: a. County: San Luis Obispo
b. USGS 7.5' Quad: San Luis Obispo, CA
c. Address:
Primary#
HRI#
Trinomial
NRHP Status Code
Reviewer
P-40-002531
C A-SL0-253 lH
6Z
Date
Not for Publication D Unrestricted
Date 1965 (revised 1994) T30S , Rl2E ; Sections 26 and 35
Mt. Diablo B.M.
d. UTM: NAO 27 , Zone 10; 713450 mE / 3906250 mN
e. Other Locational Data: From the Amtrak train depot in San Luis Obispo, proceed north a lon g the west side of the
track for approximately 1,000 feet. The site lies about 30 feet west (left) of the tracks.
P3a. Description: This historical site contains one complete concrete foundation and one partially intact concrete
foundation . The features represent the remains of tool houses and a telephone sha nty, which were part of the Southern
Pacific Railroad San Luis Obispo station ..
P3b. Resource Attributes: (List attributes and codes) AH2 (structural foundations)
P4. Resources Present: D Building D Structure D Object • Site D District D Element of District D Other:
P5. Photograph or Drawing (photograph required for buildings, structures, and objects): Feature 1, facing northwest.
P6. Date Constructed/Age:
D Prehistoric
Historic
D Both
P7. Owner and Address:
Union Pacific Railroad
340 Guadalupe Street
Guadalupe, CA 93434
PB. Recorded By: R. Baloian
Applied Earth Works , Inc.
5090 N . Fruit Ave. #101
Fresno, CA 93 711
P9. Date Recorded: 11/8/06
P10. Survey Type:
intensive
D Reconnaissance
D Other
Describe: Survey for
proposed bicycle and
pedestrian path.
P11. Report Citation:
Baloian, Randy
2007 Archaeological Survey Report for th e Railroad Safety Bike Trail in the City of San Luis Obispo , San Luis
Obispo County, California. Applied Earth Works, Inc., Fresno, California. Submitted to the City of San
Luis Obispo Department of Public Works and California Department of Transportation, San Luis Obispo.
Nettles, Wendy M ., and Randy Baloian
2007 His torical Resources Evaluation R eport for the Railroad Safety Trail in the City of San Luis Obispo, San
Luis Obispo County, California . Applied Earth Works, Inc., Fresno, California. Submitted to the City of San
Luis Obispo Department of Public Works and California Department of Transportation , San Luis Obispo.
Attachments: D NONE
DPR 523A (1/95)
D Building, Structure,
and Object Record
D Photograph Record
Location Map
Archaeological Record
D Milling Station Record
D Other (list):
Site/Sketch Map
D District Record
D Rock Art Record
D Continuation Sheet
D Linear Feature Record
D Artifact Record
Primary.doc[8-5-04]
State of California -The Resources Agency
DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION
ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE RECORD
Page 2 of 4
Temporary Number/Resource Name: WR-lH
A1. Dimensions: a. Length 60 meters (N/S)
Primary#
HRI #/Trinomial
x b. Width 10 meters (E/W)
Method of Measurement: • Paced D Taped D Visual estimate D Other:
P-40-002531
CA-SL0-253 lH
Method of Determination (check any that apply): D Artifacts • Features D Soil D Vegetation
D Topography D Cut bank D Animal burrow D Excavation D Property boundary
D Other (explain):
Reliability of Determination: D High • Medium D Low Explain: Other features may exist but are not exposed.
Limitations (check any that apply): D Restricted access D Paved/built over D Disturbances
D Site limits incompletely defined • Other Explain: Surface examination only.
A2.. Depth: 1-2 feet D None D Unknown
Method of determination: Estimated depth of features.
A3. Human Remains: D Present • Absent D Possible D Unknown (explain):
A4. Features (Number, describe, indicate size, list associated cultural constituents, and show location of each on sketch map):
Feature 1 is a 20 by 16 foot concrete foundation with 6-inch-thick walls. The concrete slab floor of the structure is still
intact. A 6-foot section extends from the northwest corner of the foundation; it is not apparent whether this section
supported an exterior wall or was the part of an adjoining room. Feature 2 is the scant remnant of a similarly built
foundation-two 5-foot-long, 6-inch-thick walls come together to form the northeast corner of the structure.
A5. Cultural Constituents (not associated with features): Discarded railroad ties and other railroad parts are sparsely
scattered throughout the site; it is unlikely that these items are historical.
A6. Were Specimens Collected? • No D Yes (If yes, attached Artifact Record or catalog.)
A7. Site Condition: D Good • Fair D Poor D Disturbances:
A8. Nearest Water (type, distance, and direction): The closest natural water source is San Luis Obispo Creek, located
approximately 1,250 feet north along the railroad tracks.
A9. Elevation: 240 feet amsl.
A10. Environmental Setting (vegetation, fauna, soils, geology, landform, slope, aspect, exposure, etc.): Prior to
urbanization, the San Luis Obispo area was characteristic of a riparian habitat. This natural setting is currently limited
to the banks of San Luis Obispo Creek. The site lies within the right-of-way of the Union Pacific Railroad and is
surrounded by a residential neighborhood. The ground is fairly level, and the soil appears to be imported fill.
A11. Historical Information (full citations in A15 below): The locations of foundations undoubtedly correspond to the
telephone shanty and tool houses depicted on the 1952 map of the San Luis Obispo Depot (Signor 1994:218-219). A
contemporaneous photograph shows the tool houses were simple utilitarian buildings with no windows and medium-
pitched roofs (Signor 1994:213). They were probably built ca. 1930-1950 and removed in the mid-to-late 1950s.
A12. Age: D Prehistoric D Protohistoric D 1542-1769 D 1769-1848 D 1848-1880 D 1880-1914 • 1914-1945
D Post 1945 D Undetermined Describe position in regional prehistoric chronology or factual historic dates if known:
A13. Interpretations: Because of its direct association with the railroad depot, the site is included as a resource in the San
Luis Obispo Railroad Historic District. The virtual absence of historical artifacts on the surface suggests that the site
lacks significant subsurface deposits. Given the limited information potential, it does not appear to be eligible for the
NRHP under Criterion D, nor does it contribute to the significance of the historic district.
A14. Remarks: A proposed bicycle and pedestrian path will be constructed through the site.
A15. References: Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps; San Luis Obispo County Historical Society; Signor, John R. 1994.
Southern Pacific's Coast Line. Signature Press, Wilton, California.
A16. Photographs:
Original media/negatives kept at: Applied Earth Works, Inc., Fresno, CA
A17. Form Prepared By: Randy Baloian Date: November 8, 2006
Affiliation and Address: Applied Earth Works, Inc., 5090 N. Fruit Ave., Suite 101, Fresno, CA 93711
DPR 523C (1/95) *Required Information
r:
C
0
State of California -The Resources Agency
DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION
LOCATION MAP
Page 3 of 4
Temporary Number/Resource Name: WR-l H
s .. ·1 .... ·
I · .
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Rad,o Tower
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11'
Co nfidenti al: Not fo r Public Distribution
U .S.G .S. 7.5 Minute
Topographic Quadrangle
San Luis Obispo, CA
T 30 S - R 12 E
1965, Photorevised 1979
DPR 523J (1/95)
0
Primary # P-40-00253 1
HRI #/Trinomial CA -SL 0-253 IH
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tN
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Mil es
Contour Interval : 40 Feet
State of California -The Resources Agency
DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION
SKETCH MAP
Page 4 of4
Temporary Number/Resource Name: WR-lH
DPR 523K (1/95)
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Primary# P-40-002531
HRI #/Trinomial CA-SL0-2531 H
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Field Map: R. Baloian -11/MAY/06
Final Map: L. Meckstroth-16/NOV/06
20
Meters
Contour Interval: 3 Feet
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40
State of California Business, Transportation and Housing Agency
Memorandum
To
From
Cathy Stettler
Associate Environmental Planner
Caltrans Environmental Planning Branch
Kelda Wilson 1~, . ()
Archaeologist ~ fJJ~v"\
DEPARTMENT OF PORTATION
District 5
Date:
File No.
June 11, 2007
Local Assistance
Railroad Safety ri rail Plrn.3c
III, City of SLO
San Luis Obispo County
RSTPL-5016 (03 7)
su~iec1 Section 106 Complete, Railroad Safety Trail Phase Ill
The State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO) has reviewed the Historic Property Survey Report for
Railroad Safety Trail Phase III, dated January 2007, and the revised version dated April 2007. Tb.e
documents were prepared in accordance with the J anuai-y 1, 2004 Programmatic Agreement Among the
Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, the
California State Historic Preservation Officer. and the Cal(fornia Department of Transportation
Programmatic Agreement).
In a letter dated March 9, 2007, the SHPO (Milford Wayne Donaldson, FAIA) conc.urred with the
determination that the Johnson Avenue Railroad Bridge and archaeological site CA-SL0-253 lH are not
eligible for the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). Subsequently, in a letter dated June 5,
2007, the SHPO concurred with the determination that the San Luis Obispo Creek Railroad Bridge f,CA-
SL0-2530H) is eligible for the NRHP as a contributor to the existing San Luis Obispo/Southern Pacific
Railroad District, a property determined eligible for Hie NRHP in 1994.
Caltrans, under the authority of FH\VA, has determined a Fir;.ding of No Historic Properties Affected,
according to Stipulation IX.A of the Programmatic Agreement aI1d 36 CFR 800.4(d)(l) is appropriate
for this undertaking.
The requirements of 36 CFR 800 have been satisfied. The project does not have the potential to affect
historic properties. In the event cultural material is encountereJ during project constructfon, work shall
cease until a qualified archaeologist can assess the m1anticipated discovery in accordance wit]:. foe
Programmatic Agreement.
I can be reached at (805) 542-4697 with any questions.
Cc: Valerie Levulett, District 5 Heritage Resources Coordinator
Dominic Hoang, Federal Highway Administration
STATE OF CALIFORNIA-THE RESOURCES AGENCY
OFFICE OF HISTORIC PRESERVATION
DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION
P.O. BOX 942896
SACRAMENTO, CA 94296-0001
916) 653-6624 Fax: (916) 653-9824
calshpo@parks.ca.gov
www.ohp.parks.ca.gov
June 5, 2007
Gary Ruggerone, Chief
Environmental Planning Branch
Caltrans District 5
50 Higuera Street
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-5415
ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER, Governor
Reply To: FHWA070125B
Re: Determinations of Eligibility for the Proposed Railroad Safety Trail Phase Ill, San Luis
Obispo County, CA
Dear Mr. Ruggerone:
Thank you for the additional information you have provided regarding the above project. You
are consulting with me about the subject undertaking in accordance with the Programmatic
Agreement Among the Federal Highway Administration, the Advisory Council on Historic
Preservation, the California State Historic Preservation Officer, and the California Department of
Transportation Regarding Compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation
Act, as it Pertains to the Administration of the Federal-Aid Highway Program in California (PA).
The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) is requesting my concurrence, pursuant
to Stipulation VIII.C.5 of the PA, that the San Luis Obispo Creek Railroad Bridge (CA-SL0-
2530H) is eligible for the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) as a contributor to the
existing San Luis Obispo/Southern Pacific Railroad District, a property determined eligible for
the NRHP in 1994. Based on my review of the submitted documentation, I concur with the
foregoing determination.
Thank you for considering historic properties during project planning. If you have any questions,
please contact Natalie Lindquist of my staff at (916) 654-0631 or e-mail at nlindquist@parks.ca.gov.
Sincerely,
I( ;sh~ fr'
Milford Wayne Donaldson, FAIA
State Historic Preservation Officer
STATE OF CALIFORNIA-BUSINESS. TRAi'\/SPORTATION AND HOUSING AGENCY ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER. Governor
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
50 HIGUERA STREET
SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA 93401-5415
PHONE (805) 549-3111
@ .
FAX (805) 549-3329
TDD (805) 549-3259
http://www.dot.gov/dist05
Mr. Milford Wayne Donaldson, F AIA
State Historic Preservation Officer
Office of Historic Preservation
P.O. Box 942896
Sacramento, CA 94296-0001
Flex your power!
Be energy efficient!
April13,2007
Railroad Safety Trail Phase III
Local Assistance
RPSTPLE-5016(037)
San Luis Obispo County
File # FHWA070125A
Re: Determination of Eligibility and Finding of Effect for the Railroad Safety Trail Phase III,
San Luis Obispo County
Dear Mr. Donaldson:
The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), under the authority of the Federal
Highway Administration (FHWA) is continuing consultation with the State Historic
Preservation Officer (SHPO) regarding the Railroad Safety Trail Phase III Project in San Luis
Obispo County. This consultation is undertaken in accordance with the January 2004
Programmatic Agreement among the Federal Highway Administration, the Advisory Council on
Historic Preservation, the California State Historic Preservation Officer, and the California
Department ofTransportation (PA).
Thank you for your March 9, 2007 letter responding to our initial consultation regarding this
project. We hope that this letter and a set of revised reports addresses your comments. In your
letter, you concurred with our determination that CA-SL0-2531H and the Johnson Avenue
Railroad Bridge are not eligible for inclusion in the National Register.
Response to Your March 9, 2007 Letter
1) You requested additional information regarding our determination that the San Luis Obispo
Creek Bridge is not eligible for the NRHP, and whether there is a potential for a historic
district associated with the Coastline Railroad.
Response to comment:
Based on your response, we· have· considered-whether the-· San Euis Obispo· ereek--Bridge··
could be considered a contributing element to the existing National Register-eligible San
Luis Obispo/Southern Pacific Railroad Historic District. That District was found eligible to
the NRHP in 1994 by Caltrans, and SHPO concurred with that determination on May 4, 1994
see Appendix A of the Historical Resources Evaluation Report for copy of SHPO
concurrence). Because the bridge has functioned throughout virtually the entire period of
significance for the railroad and has essentially remained unaltered, Caltrans has determined
that the bridge does appear to be a contributing element of the San Luis Obispo Southern
Caltrans improves mobility across California"
Mr. Milford Wayne Donaldson, F AIA
April 13, 2007
Page 2
Pacific Railroad Historic District. We continue to believe, however, that the bridge does not
merit individual eligibility to the NRHP. The Historical Resources Evaluation Report and
the DPR forms have been altered to reflect our revised determination.
Additionally, the Johnson Avenue Railroad Bridge (CA-SL0-2529H) and archaeological site
CA-SL0-253 lH were considered for their potential as contributing elements of the San Luis
Obispo Southern Pacific Railroad Historic District, and were found to be non-contributors to
the district (see revised HRER).
2) You asked whether any local historical societies were consulted as part of the Section 106
process.
Response to comment:
Initial consultation on this project was limited to contact with Alan Ochs of the San Luis
Obispo Collllty Historical Society in November 2006. In response to your letter, we
conducted additional consultation efforts in March and April 2007 (see Exhibit D). On
March 27, 2007, consultation letters were distributed to Ron Clarke and Alan Ochs of the
San Luis Obispo County Historical Society; Devin Gallagher of Heritage Shared; Brad
LaRose of the San Luis Obispo Railroad Museum; and Jeff Hook of the City of San Luis
Obispo Community Development Department. The letters were followed up with phone
calls and e-mails. None of the parties expressed any concerns regarding the project, the
cultural resources, or the current study results. Jeff Hook supports the addition of the San
Luis Obispo Creek Railroad Bridge to the National Register District; and Brad LaRose did
not see any special significance to the bridge. Neither the San Luis Obispo County Historical
Society nor Heritage Shared have expressed concerns.
Request for Determination of Eligibility
Pursuant to Stipulation VIII.C.5 of the PA, Caltrans is requesting your concurrence that the
following property is eligible to the National Register of Historic Places as a contributing
element of the San Luis Obispo/Southern Pacific Railroad Historic District:
San Luis Obispo Creek Railroad Bridge (CA-SL0-2530H)
We look forward to receiving your response within 30 days of your receipt of this submittal, in
accordance with Stipulation VIII.C.5.a of the PA.
Finding of No Historic Properties Affected
Pending your concurrence regarding Caltrans' eligibility determinations, Caltrans' finding for
the-lllldertaking (pursuant to Stipulation IX.A.2) is ''No Historic -Properties-Affected." 'Ihis-
finding is due to the fact that the project will not make any physical modifications to the San
Luis Obispo Creek Railroad Bridge. A new bicycle bridge will be constructed adjacent to the
property, at a distance of 27.6 feet from the existing bridge. The new bridge will not require
physical connection to, or any modification of, the existing bridge and will therefore have no
effect on it. In addition, the new bicycle bridge will be designed for architectural compatibility
with the bridge and will include an interpretive overlook with historical information about the
railroad bridge.
Caltrans improves mobility across California"
Nir. Milford Wayne Donaldson, FAIA
April 13, 2007
Page 3
This letter and the attached documentation are concurrently being retained in Caltrans files
pursuant to Stipulation XVI) and distributed to FHWA (pursuant to Stipulation Vill.C.5). If
you concur with our eligibility determinations, these actions satisfy Caltrans' responsibilities
under Stipulation IX.A.2 of the PA, and no further review will be required. In the event that you
do not concur with Caltrans' determinations, further consultation will be carried out in
accordance with Stipulation VIII.C.5.b.
If you need any additional information, please do not hesitate to contact Caltrans Archaeologist
Kelda Wilson (phone: 805/542-4697; fax: 805/549-3233; e-mail: kelda_ wilson@dot.ca.gov.) Finally,
thank you for your assistance with this undertaking.
Sincerely,
Gary Ruggerone, Chief
Environmental Planning Branch
Caltrans District 5
Attachment: Revised Railroad Safety Trail Phase ill Project HPSR
C: Gene K. Fong, FHW A Division Administrator
Caltrans improves mobility across Califorma"
STATE OF CALIFORNIA-THE RESOURCES AGENCY
OFFICE OF HISTORIC PRESERVATION
DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION
P.O. BOX 942896
SACRAMENTO, CA 94296-0001
916) 653-6624 Fax: (916) 653-9824
calshpo@ohp.parks.ca.gov
www.ohp.parks.ca.gov
9 March 2007
Gary Ruggerone, Chief
Environmental Planning Branch
California Department of Transportation, District 5
50 Higuera Street
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-5415
ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER, Governor
In Reply Refer To
FHWA070125A
RE: RAILROAD SAFETY TRAIL PHASE Ill, LOCALASSISTANCE, RPSTPLE-5016(037),
SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY [SECTION 106 CONSULTATION (RND.01) ON THE
RAILROAD SAFETY TRAIL PHASE Ill PROJECT ALONG THE UNION PACIFIC RAILROAD,
CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO, SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY, CALIFORNIA]
Dear Mr. Ruggerone:
This letter is a response to the California Department of Transportation's (Caltrans)
submission, on behalf of the Federal Highway Administration, of the January 2007
Historic Property Survey Report, Railroad Safety Trail Phase Ill in the City of San Luis
Obispo, San Luis Obispo County, California (HPSR). Caltrans' submission and my
comment on it here are made pursuant to the 1 January 2004 Programmatic Agreement
among the Federal Highway Administration, the Advisory Council on Historic
Preservation, the California State Historic Preservation Officer, and the California
Department of Transportation Regarding Compliance with Section 106 of the National
Historic Preservation Act, as It Pertains to the Administration of the Federal-aid
Highway Program in California.
Your letter of 22 January 2007 requests that I concur with Caltrans' determinations on
the National Register of Historic Places (National Register) eligibility of three properties
that the agency found in the subject undertaking's area of potential effects.
On the basis of my review of the HPSR, I concur that
CA-SL0-2531 H
Johnson Avenue Railroad Bridge (P-40-002529)
are not eligible for inclusion in the National Register.
Caltrans has also determined that the San Luis Obispo Creek Railroad Bridge (Bridge)
is not eligible for the NRHP. According to Caltrans the Bridge was built in 1901, ·the
same year the Southern Pacific Railroad (SPR) completed the Coast Line connecting
San Francisco with Los Angeles. The Bridge is associated with the heyday of the SPR
operations on the Central Coast. The Bridge was not the original structure, and given
GARY RUGGERONE
9MARCH 2007
PAGE2 of2
FHWA070125A
the manpower and resources required to finish the railway, it is likely that the subject
bridge was constructed shortly after completion of the Coast Line in March 1901. In
addition Caltrans states that the Bridge is not a particularly good representation of the
period of significance and does not effectively convey the importance of the Coast Line
during the first half of the 20th century. The bridge is not associated with any significant
persons or specific events. In addition the bridge is identical to the structure that carries
the railroad over Monterey Street two blocks away. Therefore it is not architecturally
distinct and does not add to the history of bridge construction. Caltrans also notes that
the bridge retains superb integrity and the citizens of San Luis Obispo are likely to
consider this bridge locally significant.
I cannot at this time concur with Caltrans' determination that the San Luis Obispo Cre·ek
Railroad Bridge is not eligible for the NRHP. Although the Bridge is not the original
bridge located on this line, the bridge was completed shortly after the completion of the
Coast Line in 1901. Given the period of significance for the Coastline (1901-1959) this
bridge would appear to be significant within the context of the Coastline Railroad.
Caltrans states that the Bridge is "not a particularly good representation of the period of
significance and does not effectively convey the importance of the Coast Line during
the first half of the 20th century". I.would appreciate further information supporting this.
statement. lri addition Caltrans states, "the bridge is identical to the structure that
carries the railroad over Monterey Street two blocks away." Is there a potential for a
historic district associated with the Coastline Railroad? Finally, were any local historical
societies consulted as part of the Section 106 process?
Please direct any questions or concerns that you may have to Project Review Unit
archaeologist Mike McGuirt at 916.653.8920 or at mmcgu@parks.ca.gov.
Sincerely, .
l(SJ,~frr
Milford Wayne Donaldson, FAIA
State Historic Preservation Officer
MWD:MDM:mdm
STATE OF CALIFORNIA-BUSINESS, TRANSPORTATION AND HOUSING AGENCY
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
50 HIGUERA STREET
SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA 93401-5415
PHONE (805) 549-3111
FAX (805) 549-3329
TDD (805) 549-3259
http://www.dot.gov/dist05
Mr. Milford Wayne Donaldson, FAIA
State Historic Preservation Officer
Office of Historic Preservation
P.O. Box 942896
Sacramento, CA 94296-0001
ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER, Governor
Flex your power!
Be energy efficient!
January 22, 2007
Railroad Safety Trail Phase ill
Local Assistance
RPSTPLE-5016(037)
San Luis Obispo County
Re: Determination of Eligibility and Finding of Effect for the Railroad Safety Trail Phase III,
San Luis Obispo County
Dear Mr. Donaldson:
The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), under the authority of the Federal
Highway Administration (FHW A) is initiating consultation with the State Historic Preservation
Officer (SHPO) regarding the Railroad Safety Trail Phase III Project in San Luis Obispo County.
This consultation is undertaken in accordance with the January 2004 Programmatic Agreement
among the Federal Highway Administration, the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, the
California State Historic Preservation Officer, and the California Department of Transportation
PA).
Enclosed you will find a Historic Property Survey Report (HPSR) for the proposed undertaking.
The HPSR is intended to fulfill three of FHWA's responsibilities under Section 106 of the
National Historic Preservation Act: determination of the Area of Potential Effects (APE);
identification of potential historic properties located within the undertaking's APE; and
evaluation of potential historic properties for eligibility to the National Register of Historic
Places (NRHP). Under the PA, Caltrans is responsible for ensuring the appropriateness of the
APE (Stipulation VIII.A) and the adequacy of historic property identification efforts (Stipulation
VIII.B). We are consulting with you at the present time under Stipulation VIII.C.5 of the PA,
which requires that we seek your concurrence on Caltrans' determinations of eligibility for
potential historic properties.
In accordance with Stipulation III of the PA, the APE and the documents were reviewed and
approved by Kelda Wilson, who meets the Professionally Qualified Staff (PQS) Standards in
Attachment 1 of the PA as a Principal Investigator -Prehistoric Archaeology. Robert Pavlik,
who meets the PQS Standards as a Principal Architectural Historian, reviewed the project's APE
and findings.
In conjunction with Caltrans and FHW A, the City of San Luis Obispo Public Works Department
proposes to construct a paved bicycle path along the Union Pacific Railroad in eastern San Luis
Obispo. The 12-foot wide path begins at the existing railroad station and extends approximately
2250 feet near the beginning of an existing Class II bicycle system on Marsh Street. The project
will involve construction of two clear span bicycle bridges over Johnson Avenue and San Luis
Caltrans improves mobility across California"
Mr. Milford Wayne Donaldson, FAIA
January 22, 2007
Page2
Obispo Creek. A full project description and depiction of the APE can be found on page 1 and
Exhibit C of the HPSR.
Consultation and identification efforts for the Railroad Safety Trail Phase III Project
summarized in pages 2-3 of the attached HPSR) resulted in the identification of one historical
archaeological site and two bridges within the APE that required formal evaluation. These
resources had not been previously evaluated for NRHP eligibility, and pursuant to Stipulation
VIII.C of the PA, they were formally evaluated for the Railroad Safety Trail Phase III Project.
The evaluation is documented in the Historical Resources Evaluation Report attached to this
HPSR.
All resources identified within the APE that have no potential for NRHP eligibility were
exempted from formal evaluation pursuant to Stipulation VIII.C. l and Attachment 4 of the PA
Properties Exempt from Evaluation").
Pursuant to Stipulation VIII.C.5 of the PA, Caltrans is requesting your concurrence that the
following properties are not eligible for the National Register of Historic Places:
CA-SL0-2531
Johnson Avenue Railroad Bridge (CA-SL0-2529H)
San Luis Obispo Creek Railroad Bridge (CA-SL0-2530H)
We look forward to receiving your response within 30 days of your receipt of this submittal, in
accordance with Stipulation VIII.C.5.a of the PA. Pending your concurrence regarding Caltrans'
eligibility determinations, Caltrans' finding for the undertaking (pursuant to Stipulation IX.A.2)
is "No Historic Properties Affected," due to the absence of identified historic properties within
the undertaking's APE. This letter and the attached documentation are concurrently being
retained in Caltrans files (pursuant to Stipulation XVI) and distributed to FHWA (pursuant to
Stipulation VIII.C.5). If you concur with our eligibility determinations, these actions satisfy
Caltrans' responsibilities under Stipulation IX.A.2 of the PA, and no further review will be
required. In the event that you do not concur with Caltrans' determinations, further consultation
will be carried out in accordance with Stipulation VIII.C.5.b.
If you need any additional information, please do not hesitate to contact Caltrans Archaeologist
Kelda Wilson (phone: 805/542-4697; fax: 805/549-3233; e-mail: kelda_ wilson@dot.ca.gov.) Finally,
thank you for your assistance with this undertaking.
Gary Ruggerone, Chie
Environmental Planning Branch
Caltrans District 5
Attachment: Railroad Safety Trail Phase III Project HPSR
C: Gene K. Fong, FHW A Division Administrator
Caltrans improves mobility across California"