Victor, Jacob Nash
Jacob Nash Victor (April 2, 1838 – October 3, 1907) played a pivotal role in developing Southern California’s rail system, particularly through his leadership in the California Southern Railroad. Born in Sandusky, Ohio, to Henry G. and Gertrude Nash Victor, he was unable to serve in combat during the Civil War due to physical disabilities, but he contributed by working on military railroads under General McPherson and behind General Sherman in Georgia.After the war, Victor’s railroad career advanced steadily, taking him from Kansas City through Texas and New York before he settled in California in 1881. He began with the California Southern Railroad as general freight agent and soon became superintendent. He oversaw the extension of the line from Colton to Barstow (then called Waterman), helping the line challenge the dominance of the Southern Pacific by connecting with the Atlantic and Pacific Railroad.
One of Victor’s greatest achievements was overseeing construction through the treacherous Cajon Pass. Working closely with Chief Engineer Fred T. Perris, Victor identified and executed a viable route through the pass—a segment that remains one of the busiest rail freight corridors in the U.S. Despite devastating floods in 1884 that wiped out 30 miles of track, Victor led reconstruction and completed the extension by 1885. He also contributed to the design of a durable bridge across the Mojave River, whose granite abutment is still in use.
Victor’s tenure with the railroad ended in 1887–88 when the California Southern was absorbed into the AT&SF under C. W. Smith. He then served on the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors, including three years as president. During his time in office, he championed key infrastructure projects, including bridges at South Riverside, Fourth Street in San Bernardino, and across the Mojave River near what would become Victorville.
Originally called Huntington, the area was renamed Victorville in his honor, recognizing his profound contributions to the region’s development. He married Elizabeth Bivrlew of Syracuse, New York, and they had three children: Hugo, a Santa Fe Railway cashier in San Diego; Royal, a law student at Columbia; and Leonora, who lived at home. The family was active in the Congregational Church.
Jacob Nash Victor’s life was marked by determination, engineering skill, and public service. His legacy lives on in the region’s railroads, infrastructure, and the town that bears his name.
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