This cache is part of a series of caches dedicated to the reminiscence and admiration of Roseville’s early dwellers. It is part of a series of caches called: CACHE OUT IN ROSEVILLE.
At the corner of Vernon and Atlantic Streets in Downtown Roseville stands a strong reminder of Roseville’s railroad heritage. Located right on a curve, it’s easy to spot the 71-ton, 13-foot tall locomotive and tender on display alongside the railroad tracks. The big, beautiful, magnificent engine is the Mighty 2252 locomotive, and it has a legacy all its own.
When it was built in 1897, the engine was officially numbered SP1838. It became the “2252” when the Southern Pacific’s numbering system changed in 1901. For 32 years, from 1897 to 1929, it was in service along the Donner Pass line. Then, in 1929, the locomotive was given a new role and selected to be equipped to fight snowshed, brush, and forest fires along the Donner Pass Route in the Sierra Nevada Mountains.
Once its retirement was imminent, the locomotive was donated to the city of Roseville, and with much pomp and circumstance, the old, well-worn engine was put on display in 1956 at a site chosen inside the Fairgrounds.
Fast forward to 2001. The fairgrounds needed to expand and the old locomotive was not included in the plans. Roseville leaders and community organizers pulled together a coalition to relocate the “2252”, and through their diligent efforts, a complete restoration was undertaken and a permanent display area was created.
Moving day was Oct 13, 2004. After a well-attended event that included a highly-spirited bon voyage ceremony, the newly restored 1897 was gently loaded onto a 9 axle, 108’ long transport trailer, then slowly moved 6.5 miles to its new location.
Take some time to stop and witness this powerful part of Roseville’s heritage, one of a few coveted lasting reminders of the railroad heritage of our town. Also on display next to 2252 is a rotary snow plow, used in the Sierra Nevada’s. You can find more information on the two trains on the plaques. The site is easy to access and if you’re lucky, you’ll also get to watch the latest locomotives pass by on the nearby train tracks. (Story by Christina Richter, an award winning local historian, author, and speaker.)