Jawbone Branch

Southern Pacific Railroad - 1912

The Southern Pacific Jawbone Branch was a pivotal railway in the early 20th century, intricately tied to the Los Angeles Aqueduct's construction and Owens Valley's development. Built in 1908, the line fulfilled Southern Pacific's long-standing ambition to create a standard gauge connection between Mojave and the Owens Valley. This line was crucial for transporting materials for the aqueduct and linking remote communities and industries to Los Angeles.

Regular train service began on October 22, 1910, connecting Los Angeles to Owenyo via Mojave. The round-trip cost to Owenyo was $15.45, and a ticket to Laws cost $19.50. However, logistical challenges soon became apparent. The schedule resulted in an inconvenient all-night layover at Owenyo, where accommodations were limited to boxcars. This situation was so unappealing that travelers often opted for auto-stages, which provided faster and more comfortable service to valley destinations like Bishop.

To address these issues, railroad officials met with local businessmen in Bishop on April 7, 1911. They revised the schedules better to accommodate passenger connections and shipments of perishable goods. By February 26, 1912, new schedules allowed for layovers at Laws and Mina instead of Owenyo, improving travel and ensuring same-day delivery of dairy and other perishables.

The Jawbone Branch extended service to Lone Pine, supporting local mining operations. At Owenyo, it connected with Southern Pacific's narrow gauge line, which served areas like Bishop and Laws. However, the rise of automobile travel and road improvements gradually reduced the railway's prominence in the region.

The decline began in earnest following a 1982 tunnel fire near Searles, which forced the abandonment of the northern sections of the branch. By 2000, the tracks between Searles Junction and Owens Lake had been removed, and some rails had been acquired by the California Central Railroad (CCRW). Despite its closure, the Jawbone Branch remains a point of historical interest, remembered for its role in shaping the infrastructure and economy of Southern California.

The line's story has been preserved in works like Phil Serpico's book Jawbone, which provides a detailed account of its history. From its role in supporting the aqueduct to the challenges of scheduling and competition with auto-stages, the Jawbone Branch displays the transformative power of railroads in the American West.