Feb 5
Bloomer Cut
After crossing the American River, just northeast of Sacramento, the Central Pacific was able to run in a straight line for twelve miles. Beyond Roseville the line begins to twist and turn as it looks for a good line through the foothills of the Sierra.
Between Newcastle and Auburn the company ran into its first real challenge in terms of topography, which was solved by Bloomer Cut. Photographs of the cut, by Alfred A. Hart, who documented the building of the Central Pacific, are remarkable as the clearance on either side of the tracks was extremely tight. It has been widened over time, but still retains a striking look today.
From Contemporary Views Along the First Transcontinental Railroad—Text and images © Richard Koenig.
