Southern Pacific Transportation Company

The Southern Pacific Transportation Company was a major American railroad system established in 1861 by the "big four" of western railroad building. It completed the Central Pacific from California to Utah in 1869 and later expanded into southern California, Texas, and New Mexico, eventually connecting to lines from New Orleans. The Southern Pacific served 15 western and southwestern states and was a significant carrier of food products, lumber, chemicals, and motor vehicles. In 1971, it ceased operating intercity passenger trains but continued commuter services. The company underwent several acquisitions, ultimately being acquired by Union Pacific Corporation in 1996.1