From 1876 to 1942, the NCNG connected the mainline at Colfax with the gold mining regions at Grass Valley/Nevada City. The NCNG transported passengers and mining equipment to the twin cities, and reportedly shipped $250 million in gold from the mines to the San Francisco Mint. The line also transported the abundant fruit harvests from the Chicago Park area to Colfax, for packing and shipping to East and West Coast markets. The NCNG closely followed today’s I80 right-of-way from Colfax to Long Ravine Bridge, where it crossed under the mainline on its trip north to Grass Valley. Portions of the roadbed can still be seen along Hwy 174 between Chicago Park and Cedar Crest.
Stan Kistler Photo Collection courtesy of Placer-Sierra Railroad Heritage Society
The Donner Pass Route of the Transcontinental Railroad
An Abbreviated History Compiled by Placer-Sierra Railroad Heritage Society
Roger Staab and Tony Hesch
Colfax Area Historical Society (CAHS) and Colfax Heritage Museum (CHM) 