Santa Fe
Southern Railway
While I awaited my ride, I went to their excellent website, and read
the following information:
Santa Fe Southern Railway
410 S. Guadalupe Street
Santa Fe, NM 87501
888-989-8600 | 505-989-8600
http://www.sfsr.com
depot@sfsr.com
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. Know 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
Santa Fe Southern Railway
410 S. Guadalupe Street
Santa Fe, NM 87501
888-989-8600 | 505-989-8600
http://www.sfsr.com
depot@sfsr.com
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