From the Classroom

Petaluma and Santa Rosa Railroad

"The following is a student created blog regarding the history of the Petaluma Watershed. This blog is part of a series from students at Casa Grande participating in the Watershed Classroom with educators Paula Biancalana and Jolene Thinnes."

The Petaluma Santa Rosa railroad was established in 1904 opening easier travel from Petaluma to Santa Rosa. The railroad was owned by A. W. Foster and his partners. The railroad ran from Petaluma to Santa Rosa, and made stops along the way in the cities in between. Along with the railroad, a steamboat called “Steamer Gold” traveled from San Francisco to Petaluma. The steamboat ran along the tracks of the railroad. The railroad and steamboat made the transportation of goods as well as people more efficient and easier allowing more options to the citizens of Petaluma and Santa Rosa area.

By Jessica Funke