The red trolley cars that played a significant role in the development of Orange County.
Pacific Electric Railway
These red trolley cars transported many people from Los Angeles to an underdeveloped Orange County during the mid-1900s. These individuals arrived for leisure and also took advantage of the remarkably low-priced properties available. Although much of its history has been erased, there are still visible remnants for those who know where to look. Many residents of Orange County unknowingly pass by remnants of the Pacific Electric Railway frequently. The trolley car network faced several reasons for its failure, none of which were related to its operations or design, but rather to politics and other factors. If this system were still operational today, it would serve as an efficient and environmentally friendly network.
Historical Markers
Here are some plaques of the Pacific Electric Railway scattered across Orange County. Most of these plaques are located in Garden Grove, Stanton, and Fullerton areas. Some locations where the track was torn out have been replaced with cement to show where the track once was.
Cars
Almost every red trolley car was destroyed as they were decommissioned but a handful were saved. One of these cars is located in Seal Beach at Electric Park, on display as a museum. The trolley car sits on the original track and if you notice, the track sits right in the middle of a long, narrow park. Electric Park has this shape because this is where the trolley tracks were when the area around it was developed.
Structures
Most people don't give it any thought when driving past any of these structures but they have history! Hopscotch bar in Fullerton is an old depot that was converted as well as Polly's Pies in Yorba Linda.
Track
Here are some places where you can still find visible track from the railway or commemorative cement track
Southern California Railway Museum
Besides being an amazing place to visit for historic trains from Southern California, this museum has the largest collection of Pacific Electric Trolly Cars and other items. During weekends, you can take a ride on an original red trolley car
2201 S A St, Perris
Perris, CA 92570
2201 S A St.
Perris, CA 92570
Santa Ana
Spanning the Santa Ana River is an old Pacific Electric Railway trestle.