In the 1890's sugar magnate Claus Spreckels funded a railroad from Stockton to Bakersfield that broke the Southern Pacific's transportation monopoly in the region.

The "People's Railroad" - how an ag tycoon helped bust a Central Valley transportation monopoly

KVPR's Central Valley Roots explores the history, people and places of Central California. Discover something new about our region, past and present, with each episode. From Fresno and Bakersfield, to Visalia and Merced, the Central Valley is full of rich stories that make the place we call home special. Send us your question about local history or places to roots@kvpr.org and we might answer it in a future episode. Hear the series on the radio weekdays at 5:06 a.m., 9:04 a.m. and 5:32 p.m. or listen to our podcast.

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The "People's Railroad" - how an ag tycoon helped bust a Central Valley transportation monopoly

The "People's Railroad" - how an ag tycoon helped bust a Central Valley transportation monopoly

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