Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1886-04-23
LAKE COUNTY RAILROAD.
Letter Urging that Sacramento Aid an

Secure 1t.
The following letter has been received by
gentleman in this city, and is of interest
to our readers
DEAR SIR: While in your city some DAYS
since l had talk with several of your
business men in regard to the probability
of railroad being built from Williams.
Colusa county, to the redwoods of Mendo-
cino county. 1t would pass through Lake
county. But there have been several routes
spoken of as being the most practicable.
AS | am somewhat acquainted with the
topography of the country, l will give YOU
my opinion as TO the best route. also nv
reasons for it. The route | think the most
practicable and paying to the stockholders
| would be from Williams, VIA Fresh Wafer
canyon, to Bear valley. thence to Lower
Lake; from there to Lakeport, and through
Big valley, SCOTS valley, to Blue Lakes :;
from there to Potter valley, and on to
Round valley in Mendocino county. That
route would tap the most populous and
fertile portions OF Lake county besides, it
| would pass near a great many mineral
springs and summer resorts where thou
sands of people visit now annually. over
rough wagon roads. Just think for a mo-
ment what an increase of travel there
would be to and from those springs if there
was railroad, instead of wagon roads
which nearly wears an invalid out by the
time they reach the springs. Among the
famous springs which would be easy of
| access by such a road are Allen Springs,
Bartlett Springs. Hough, Saratoga, Writer,
and many others OF minor importance The
farming and commercial interests along the
line would insure it paying investment,
as 1t would tap the heart of Lake county.
Every hnEInaGG ma of -,
knows that the trade of Lake county would
add greatly to the business of Sacramento,
as that road would turn the whole tide of
| trade direct to Sacramento: besides the
| redwood trade would not come around via
San Francisco, which is an item of some
magnitude. There could be road built
which would be somewhat shorter to the
redwoods; but think it far better to take
the farming and populated route, rather
than shorter route, over a barren waste,
! with few inhabitants. Those rich and fer
tile valleys will last for all time to come,
| and there will be a railroad built from
| some point to tap that county some time.
Why not Sacramento have it as well as to
lie still and let San Francisco get it via
Callstoga or Cloyerdale? The route from
Williams is far easier to build than that
from Cloyerdale or Calistoga; besides, the
Williams route would naturally tap the
heart of Lake county much easier than via
| Calistoga or Cloverdale AS you are some
what acquainted with the country, l now
| ask your opinion in regard to the matter.
We live in a railroad age. Why not have
the benefit of one, now that it is needed
Colusa, Lake and Mendocino counties will
subsidize any company handsomely that
will build it. AS Sacramento would be
greatly benefited in the way of trade, as she
| would be the head center, and has the cap
| ital, let her make a start, and the road
| would soon be built. Yours, with respect
B. c. EPPERsoN.
EpperSon, Cal, April II, 1886.