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| Landmark #953 | Inyo County | Visited: October 1, 2012 | Plaque? YES! 🙂 |
| What is it? | Laws Railroad Museum and Historic Site! |
| What makes it historical? | THE GUIDE SAYS: In 1883, the Carson & Colorado Railroad was built between Mound House (near Carson City, Nevada) through Laws to Keeler, California, a distance of 300 miles. Laws Station was named in honor of Mr. R. J. Laws, Assistant Superintendent of the railroad. Between 1883 and about 1915, this railroad provided the only dependable means of transportation in and out of Owens Valley. Train service was stopped on April 30, 1960.
OTHER TIDBITS: Originally, the railroad was supposed to stretch as far as the Colorado River, an additional 300-someodd miles south! It took 3 years to complete the first stretch of track, and the first train pulled in on April of 1883. The very news of a railroad east of the Sierras caused folks to flock to the new town of Laws! Unfortunately, the town and railroad were both doomed by the closure of mines, the expansion of the road and trucking system, and the City of Los Angeles buying up all the land and water rights in the Owens Valley! This landmark is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places! |
| How can I Help the Helpers? | HERE’S HOW:
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| Where is this place? | LISTED DIRECTIONS: On Silver Canyon Rd (Inyo County Rd), in old town of Laws 4 mi NE of Bishop, CA 93514 ANNOTATIONS: From Los Angeles: ~271mi (437km) — 4.6hrs |
| When should I go? | The museum is open daily from 10:00 AM until 4:00 PM, but it opens at 9:30 AM during the summer! |
