The Western Pacific Railroad (reporting mark WP) was a Class I railroad in the United States. It was formed in 1903 as an attempt to break the near-monopoly the Southern Pacific Railroad had on rail service into northern California.

The Western Pacific operated 1,719 route miles in California, Nevada and Utah. Its main line paralleled rival Southern Pacific between Oakland and Salt Lake City, and its "Inside Gateway" connection in Northern California challenged SP’s north-south route.

Oct 12, 2024 · The Western Pacific was a small classic railroad linking Salt Lake City with Oakland. In 1982 it became part of Union Pacific.

Aug 1, 2021 · World War II changed the complexion of the Western Pacific Railroad. It became an important carrier in its own right, no longer just settling for the leavings of giants Southern Pacific and Santa Fe.

The Western Pacific Railroad was not the largest of the Western Class-One railroads. It wasn't formed until 1906, with completion in 1909. However, operating in the shadow of giants like the Southern Pacific, Santa Fe and the Union Pacific, the relatively young WP had to work that much harder to survive.

It was not until June 17, 1987, that the Western Pacific was legally merged into the Union Pacific system. This officially marked the end of the Western Pacific Railroad Company. The Western Pacific became the Feather River Division of the Union Pacific Railroad.

History of the Western Pacific Railroad including the California Zephyr, Presidents, Equipment and Operations.

Nov 24, 2024 · Compared to the likes of the Southern Pacific and Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe, the Western Pacific Railroad can be considered the “runt of the litter” for Class I U.S. railroading in the Far West.

The museum is owned and operated by the Feather River Rail Society. On our society website you can find historical information about the Western Pacific Railroad and our collection. Information about how to join the society is at Membership.

Aug 1, 2011 · The Western Pacific was incorporated in 1903 to build from Salt Lake City, Utah and a connection with the Denver and Rio Grande Railway to Oakland, California. It was part of the Gould family of railroads that stretched from Utah to …