From the Classroom

Haystack Railroad

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  • "The following is a student created blog regarding the history of the Petaluma Watershed. This blog is part of a series from students at Casa Grande participating in the Watershed Classroom with educators Paula Biancalana and Jolene Thinnes."

Rudesill built a dock at Haystack Landing in 1852 where passengers could get on and off, and where cargo could be loaded before it was taken further up the river. Established in 1864, Petaluma and Haystack railroad was a short two mile long railroad that brought passengers from downtown Petaluma to a steamboat landing called Haystack. From the landing, goods and travelers had to be unloaded and brought into Petaluma via horse or wagon. The steamers that went between Petaluma and San Francisco would bring agricultural products and raw materials into the city. In present day, the railroad has been vacant for over a century, and is now being redone to be apart of the new SMART train. The SMART train will have a downtown stop in Petaluma, and this will help people have better access to different cities. In addition, the SMART train will change life for the citizens of Petaluma because people will now have access to a new form of public transportation.

By Taylor Johnston