Mount Lowe Railway Historical Marker was added to Your Favorites!
Altadena, California
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The Mount Lowe Railway, completed in 1893, was a scenic mountain railway that climbed over 3,000 feet into the San Gabriel Mountains, showcasing innovative engineering for its time. Source: Los Angeles Times
Professor Thaddeus S. C. Lowe envisioned the railway as part of a larger resort complex, including hotels and observatories, to attract tourists to the mountains. Source: California State Parks
The Mount Lowe Railway was frequently damaged by natural disasters, including fires, floods, and landslides, which ultimately led to its closure in 1938. Source: Mount Lowe Preservation Society
The Mount Lowe Railway was one of the first in the United States to be powered by electricity, making it a pioneer in the use of electric traction. Source: Electric Railway Historical Association of Southern California
The railway featured the 'Circular Bridge,' a distinctive loop that allowed trains to gain elevation without steep grades. Source: Pacific Electric Railway Historical Society
The Echo Mountain House, part of the railway's attractions, was a luxurious hotel offering panoramic views and modern amenities until it was destroyed by fire in 1900. Source: Pasadena Museum of History
Hikers can explore the remnants of the Mount Lowe Railway, including old tracks and tunnels, on trails in the Angeles National Forest. Source: USDA Forest Service
