In the Carrizo Gorge, the railroad crosses 14 trestles and goes through 21 tunnels in only 11 miles. From San Diego to El Centro, the railroad rises and falls over 3,700 feet. If ever there was a monument to a builder, the San Diego and Arizona Railroad speaks of the energy, skill and determination of John D. Spreckles and his men, the last of the great railroad builders. Sugar millionaire John D. Spreckles sails to San Diego. Spreckles begins construction of railroad.
Imperial County is created.
Avalanche in gorge. A four-day fire collapses one tunnel, landslide closes another, a third destroyed by fire. U.S. Army patrols railroad for saboteurs. Last passenger train. Railroad almost abandons route.