The Nevada journal., 1860-11-09
Railroad Route Discovered.


| We had the pleasure of cali from T. D.
Judah, Esq, Civil Engineer, on Thursday
evening last, who had just returned from the
reconnaissance ofthe county between Auburn
and the summit of the Sierra Nevada, with
reference to its capabilities for a railroad
route. Mr.. Judah reports having discov-
cred a most excellent route, the grade no
! where exceeding one hundred feet to the
mile. The course pursued by Mr.. Judah,
/ was from Auburn to Illinoistown. thence to
/ Dutch Flat, and from thence to the sum-
nit We learn from Mr.. Judah, that the
greatest depression from uniform grade
/ occurs between Illinoistown and Dutch Flat.
! His line continues along the unbroken ridge
south of Bear River till near Dutch Flat,
when it runs up Canon Creek n short dist
ance to near its source, when by not very
considerable cut the banks of Bear River
are reached, thence continuing up the
stream till the country becomes tlattened
near the source of Bear River and the South
Yuba, the transit is made across the sum-
nit near, but much lower than the old
Truckee road. The summit at the cross
ing is 5000 #. above the level of the sea.
The route from Folsom to the summit is
but 50 miles in length as measured by the
odometer, and presents no obstacles of any
moment. The representations Of Mr.. Ju-
dah are so favorable that fifty thousand
dollars in stock have been already subscri-
ed by citizens OF Dutch Flat and this place,
and immediate steps will be taken, we un-
derstand to organize a company.
A few days since Mr.. Judah, in company
with Charles Marsh, Esq, proceeded over
the Henncss route, taking elevations and
measuring distances as they went. The
distauce from this city to Naples Ranch
by odometcr is a few rods more than fifty
miles. The measurement was made by the
longest route travelled. The observations
made on the trip we shall publish as soon
as put in proper shape.
Beyond question the reconnaissance lately
made by Mr.. Judah has developed one of
the most important facts bearing upon the
welfare of Central California. 1t has been
believed by majority of people that the
mountains skirting the eastern boundary of
California were impossible to the iron
horse except to the extreme north or more
extreme south. Actual surveys had deter
mined no other points~o entrance. 1t is
true, we had attempted to prove years since
by ditch surveys and casual observations
that railroad route through the Hcnness
Pass was perfectly practicable. But these
attempts of ours had not the warrant of
survey by a competent engineer with prop
er instruments. Tae observations of Mr..
Judah have set all doubts at rest, and DEM
onstrate that splendid crossing for rail-
road over the mountains exists, on a direct
line from our Manageable waters to Missouri.
Besides saving at least hundred and fifty
miles of road route entering the State at
the point indicated will best subserve the
interests of the bulk of our population
This important fact will figure largely, if we
mistake not, in all future discussions in
Congress on Pacific Railroad Bills, and we
do not hesitate to express belief that the
discovery of Mr.. Judah will prove the ini-
tiative step which will one day lead rail-
road across the mountains on the eastern
border OF Nevada county.