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Theodore Judah: Father of the Transcontinental Railroad

Honoring Theodore Judah, the visionary engineer who conquered the Sierra Nevada and paved the way for the Transcontinental Railroad in California.

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Theodore Judah Monument in Sacramento honors Theodore Judah, the visionary engineer behind the Central Pacific Railroad. His relentless drive and innovative plans overcame seemingly impossible obstacles in the Sierra Nevada, paving the way for the Transcontinental Railroad's success. The monument stands as a tribute to his enduring legacy and contribution to American history.

A brief summary to Theodore Judah Monument

  • Sacramento, Central Business District, California, 95814, US
  • Monday 12 am-12 am
  • Tuesday 12 am-12 am
  • Wednesday 12 am-12 am
  • Thursday 12 am-12 am
  • Friday 12 am-12 am
  • Saturday 12 am-12 am
  • Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

  • Explore the nearby California State Railroad Museum for a deeper understanding of the railroad's impact on the region.
  • Take time to examine the monument's symbolic details, which depict the challenges of building the Transcontinental Railroad.
  • Visit during daylight hours to fully appreciate the monument and surrounding historic area.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Theodore Judah Monument is located at the corner of 2nd and L Streets in Old Sacramento. From the California State Railroad Museum, walk south on 2nd Street for approximately two blocks. The monument will be on your left, on a small patch of lawn.

  • Public Transport

    SacRT offers various bus and light rail options to reach Old Sacramento. From Sacramento Valley Station, walk northwest to the intersection of 2nd and L Streets. The monument will be on your left. Check SacRT schedules and fares for the most up-to-date information. A single adult fare is $2.50.

  • Taxi/Ride-share

    Use a ride-share app or taxi service to reach the Theodore Judah Monument at the corner of 2nd and L Streets in Old Sacramento. Typical fares from downtown Sacramento range from $10-$15, depending on traffic and demand.

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Discover more about Theodore Judah Monument

The Theodore Judah Monument commemorates the life and achievements of Theodore Dehone Judah, the pioneering civil engineer who spearheaded the Central Pacific Railroad. Known as "Crazy Judah" for his unwavering belief in building a railway through the formidable Sierra Nevada, Judah's vision was instrumental in connecting California to the rest of the United States. Born in 1826, Judah's early career involved railway engineering in the Northeast before he moved to California and became the chief engineer for the Sacramento Valley Railroad, the first railroad west of the Mississippi River. His ambitious plans for a transcontinental railroad route through the Sierra Nevada mountains were initially met with skepticism. However, Judah's determination led him to survey a viable route over Donner Pass in 1860. Judah successfully garnered the support of Sacramento merchants, known as the "Big Four," to form the Central Pacific Railroad. Despite facing numerous challenges, including financial constraints and geographical obstacles, Judah's engineering expertise and advocacy were crucial in securing the passage of the Pacific Railway Act of 1862, which authorized the construction of the Transcontinental Railroad. Tragically, Theodore Judah died of yellow fever in 1863 at the age of 37, before the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad in 1869. Although he did not live to see his dream realized, his contributions were essential to its success. The monument, created by artist John A. MacQuarrie, was erected in 1931 by the Southern Pacific Company to honor Judah. It was originally located near the Southern Pacific Station but was later moved to Old Sacramento State Historic Park. The monument features symbolic details, including pine trees, a bridge spanning a crevice, and a tunnel cutting through granite, representing the challenges overcome in building the railroad. The inscription at the base reads, "That the West may remember," acknowledging Judah's pivotal role in the Transcontinental Railroad's creation.

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