Santa Cruz Trains

Santa Cruz Trains
Author: Derek R. Whaley
Publisher: Createspace Independent Publishing Platform
Total Pages: 352
Release: 2015-02-26
Genre: California
ISBN: 9781508570738

Once there was an endless redwood wilderness, populated by only the hardiest of people. Then, the sudden blast of a steam whistle echoed across the canyons and the valleys-the iron horse had arrived in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Driven by the need to transport materials like lumber and lime to the rest of the world, the railroad brought people seeking out new ways of living, from the remote outposts along Bean and Zayante Creeks to the bustling towns of Los Gatos and Santa Cruz. Bridges and tunnels marked the landscape, and each new station, siding and spur signaled activity: businesses, settlements, and vacation spots. Summer resorts in the mountains evolved into sprawling residential communities which formed the backbone of the towns of the San Lorenzo Valley today. Much of the history of the locations along the route has since been forgotten. This is their story. Third Revision (February 2016) Addenda available at http://www.whaleyland.com/downloads/addenda1.3.pdf Exclusive CreateSpace Discount: Enter MU236Q6V into the coupon code field and get this book for $5.00 off! Offer only valid through CreateSpace. Review this book at GoodReads (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25144919)

The San Lorenzo Valley

The San Lorenzo Valley
Author: Lisa Robinson
Publisher: Arcadia Publishing
Total Pages: 129
Release: 2012
Genre: History
ISBN: 0738592293

The headwaters of the San Lorenzo River are just 15 miles from the city of San Jose and just 15 miles from the city of Santa Cruz, both thriving towns during the Mission period. Even so, a steep canyon, an almost impenetrable forest, and formidable grizzly bears ensured that these headwaters remained unexploited by Westerners until the 1880s. Once the rich natural resources such as vast forests of redwood lumber, lime deposits, and tan oaks were discovered, this virgin landscape was pillaged and plundered. A few enlightened individuals understood that the clear-cutting techniques of the lumber companies would soon result in the total loss of this natural wonder. Their endeavors resulted in the founding of California's first state park at Big Basin, saving this precious resource for future generations.