The Nevada California Oregon
Railway (NCO) was first organized in 1880 as a narrow gauge railroad with
dreams of laying rails north from Reno Nevada, through the northeast corner of California, and on to The Dalles on the Columbia River
in Oregon. The roads progress was slowed as there were no
large cities or industries along nearly the entire route. It took 28 years
to reach Alturas, California. This was the first town reached which had businesses, maintained
roads, and brick buildings. In 1908 Alturas became the northern terminus.
In 1917, the Western
Pacific purchased the southern end of the line, and the NCO’s main shops and
offices were moved to Alturas, and the mission style depot pictured in this
postcard was constructed. In the early 1920’s, the Southern Pacific had
been looking for a shorter connection to its Ogden Route for its Oregon lines and the NCO became an advantageous takeover
target. In 1925, the NCO and the SP formalized a sale, and the owners were
paid in stock of the Pacific Electric Railway. The SP assumed operations in
1926 and proceeded to standard gauge the line the following year.
The depot is still
standing and is being used as an Elks lodge.
