The landscape of the American West was irrevocably shaped by the railroad. During the 19th century, as westward expansion surged, countless towns sprung up along railway lines, often named after railroad magnates and officials rather than their original founders. This phenomenon continued for decades, and when the US Department of Transportation later developed an extensive highway system, many of these railroad towns were bypassed, leading to an uncertain future for them. My own journeys have often taken me through these “tiny dots on the map,” prompting a deeper dive into their history and the unique connection I discovered.
Typically, upon arriving in a new town, I’ll research its history, seeking out any interesting anecdotes or features it may offer. This often involves learning about its founding, its period of growth, and its eventual decline, or understanding what continues to sustain it. It was during one such exploration of an obscure ghost town that I made an offhand observation: “It’s interesting how all these towns are named after railroad presidents and train executives, not the town founders.” My companion’s reaction, a look that conveyed both amusement and disbelief, highlighted the unexpected nature of my remark. With a guilty chuckle, I added, “It’s a fantastic idea to name those towns after railroad presidents!”
My amusement stemmed from the fact that the “Crazy Train” (my travel moniker) has a very personal connection to one such railroad town. This connection lies in Swobe, California, a minuscule dot on the map in Siskiyou County. Depending on the map consulted, Swobe may not even have roads, and it certainly lacks a population, buildings, a sign, a zip code, or a train depot. It exists primarily as a point on a map.
The origin of this town’s name and the identity of the “Swobe” it honors became a point of curiosity. My great-grandfather, Dwight Milton Swobe, was born in Nebraska in 1878. His father, Colonel Thomas Swobe, a Civil War veteran, retired as Quartermaster and became a partner in the Millard Hotel, a prominent establishment in Omaha and a hub for Nebraska’s political scene. Colonel Swobe’s company also managed dining cars for numerous railroads, suggesting an early family involvement in the railway industry.
It appears Dwight Swobe inherited his father’s affinity for railroads. Records indicate he worked for various railroad companies shortly after graduating from college. His career with the railroads gradually led him westward. He became a respected figure in the short-line railroad industry, eventually ascending to the presidency of the McCloud River Railroad in 1921. He successfully navigated the railroad through the economic hardships of the 1930s, leveraging the line for lumber transport. The company was highly regarded by its employees, who affectionately called it “Mother McCloud” for its generosity during the Depression, providing credit in company stores and later forgiving outstanding debts. Dwight Swobe raised his family in Berkeley and passed away in 1943 at the age of 65.
Following his death, the McCloud River Railroad honored Dwight Swobe by naming a “town” after him. This designation, however, refers to a mile of track situated between markers 12 and 13 along a scenic stretch of the railroad. Nevertheless, the gesture itself was a significant tribute.
While railroads are no longer a primary mode of transportation for most, the McCloud River Railroad, now known as McCloud Railway, continues to operate as a passenger excursion train. Furthermore, an 80-mile segment of the former line is being transformed into a multi-use trail, catering to activities such as hiking, cycling, and horseback riding.
For a glimpse into my great-grandfather’s railroad, the scenery featured in the classic film Stand By Me showcases the McCloud River Railroad’s Lake Britton Bridge, located within Burney Falls Memorial State Park. This is the very bridge the iconic characters famously run across to escape an oncoming train.
Special Thanks: We extend our sincere gratitude to the individuals and organizations associated with the McCloud River Railroad and McCloud Railway for sharing the photographs used in this article, which were sourced from their webpage. Further historical insights can be found at mcclourriverrailroad.com, greatshastarailtrail.org/history/railroad-history-summary/, and trainweb.org/mccloudrails. We also thank Ancestry.com, my mother, my aunt, and my cousin Gordon for their invaluable assistance in our ongoing Swobe family research.
