Tehachapi, California
Set against the backdrop of the Sierra Nevada
and the Tehachapi Mountains, the residents of Tehachapi
bask in clear air, abundant clean water, and a quality of
life which strikes an ideal balance with nature. Look around
and you'll see a careful blend of new, early California
and western architecture. Close your eyes and you'll hear
the whistle of a distant approaching train reminiscent of
the late 1800's.
Southern Pacific Railroad
Company completed the track from Caliente to the Tehachapi
Valley in 1876 - construction that would soon link Northern
and Southern California. July 10, 1876 is the birthday of
the Town of Tehachapi. On August 13, 1909, the Town of Tehachapi
was incorporated.
The Tehachapi Loop is hailed
as one of the greatest engineering feats of its day as well
as being the world's busiest single-track main. The line was
built by Southern Pacific Railroad and is now owned by Union
Pacific .Approximately 0.73 miles long creating a 'spiral'
loop on the railroad main line through Tehachapi Pass. The
loop derives its name from the routed "Loop" it
takes, in which the track passes over itself, a design which
lessens the angle of the steep grade. The railroad line connects
Bakersfield in the San Joaquin Valley to Mojave in the Antelope
Valley, and all points east.
Today, a charming small town atmosphere
prevails in Tehachapi. An average of 45 trains pass through
the town each day. Fifteen "helper engines" assist
in the task of pushing the trains over the steep mountain
grade. Shade trees line the streets where residents are within
walking distance of our airport, restaurants, schools, churches,
library, museum, hospital, theater, parks and stores. Surrounded
by natural beauty, "art in public places, Farmers' Market
and music in the mountains", it's no wonder people from
all walks of life have chosen to make Tehachapi their home.
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