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SANTA
FE
A
Bit of History...
Santa Fe, founded by the Spanish in 1610, is the oldest capitol in the
United States. As such, it has historically been seen as the social, political
and cultural seat of New Mexico. When the Atchison, Topeka & Santa
Fe Railway had to bypass its namesake city because of difficult terrain
and proceed on toward Albuquerque, citizens, merchants and leaders of
Santa Fe were dismayed that their town would not be on the railroad.
To be by-passed by the rails
was a potential economic disaster. Many towns "withered on the vine"
from lack of rail service, and transporting freight, mail, and passengers
18 miles by stagecoach was expensive. The "steam cars" were
luxurious in their own right, and especially when compared to a jostling,
dusty, and sea-sick inducing journey by stagecoach. Therefore, in order
to secure a connection, the residents of Santa Fe agreed to subsidize
a branch, or "spur", to their town. This was a common practice
in those days when the rails came to rule in the plains and mountains
of the West.
Success
Efforts by the residents of Santa Fe quickly bore fruit and construction
began immediately. The rails reached Santa Fe on February 9, 1880, and
regular service began on February 16. The railroad also built a telegraph
line, and that was in service by the 12th of the month. Santa Fe was now
in direct touch with the rest of the country and the world. Later in that
decade, the Santa Fe main line was extended to California destinations.
Service
Regular service on the 18-mile branch line commenced with twice daily
freight and passenger trains. These connected at Lamy with the Chicago-to-Los
Angeles and -San Francisco trains, which meant travelers could visit Santa
Fe and then continue on to their destinations.
In time, the Santa Fe would recognize
the importance of this branch by constructing impressive facilities at
each end of the line. The original station in Santa Fe became a freight
building, and the railroad built the present depot in 1909, which is still
in use. The choice of California Mission-style for the depot's design
was a way for the railroad to proclaim to all visitors that they had,
in fact, arrived in the West.
Harvey
Houses
It's hard to mention the AT&SF without also mentioning the Englishman
who revolutionized food service on and off the railroad. Fred Harvey,
operator of the Harvey Houses, maintained a close relationship with the
Santa Fe in that he had a virtual monopoly of inns and dining establishments
along the Santa Fe's route. Known for their excellent quality and variety
of foods, in addition to outstanding service from the Harvey Girls, many
of these Harvey Houses still exist today, with Santa Fe's own La Fonda
still serving as a well-known and beloved example.
To make
a reservation:
Call 1-888-989-8600
or 989-8600
in Santa Fe
Or use our handy form
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SFSR
train taking a curve
SFSR continues the
freight tradition
SFSR Engine 93 working
hard!
Rob Fine, Engineer
& Freight Agent
Our whistles get the
job done. They can be heard from miles away, and some people like them,
some people don't!
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