Stepping Back in Time by Visiting a Historical Site
What’s in your town?
I’ve driven past this Pacific Electric Red Car for years, always noticing its bright paint against the tracks and the crisp white crossing sign—but I never stopped to read the marker or learn more. Turns out, this little piece of history is a big deal. These Red Cars once formed an electric rail network that linked communities across Southern California, beginning in 1904 and running until freeways took over in the 1950s and ’60s.
The car itself is beautifully preserved. Standing beside it, I could almost hear the faint hum of the electric lines and the metallic screech of wheels slowing to a stop. Warm air drifted through the open windows, carrying the imagined chatter of travelers in hats and dresses. Next door, a charming little house—straight out of the early 1900s—completes the scene with its white picket fence, fluttering flag, and neat garden. For a moment, I felt transported back to a simpler, slower time.
It struck me that treasures like this are scattered all around us, yet I rarely take the time to stop, get out of the car, and explore. A quick search showed me there are more than 40 historical sites in my county alone! I’ve decided to purposefully visit many of them, one by one. Why not see how many you can discover in your area?
Here’s the inscription on the marker:
“The Pacific Electric Southern District was completed in 1902. In 1903 Philip A. Stanton organized the Bay City Land Co., which developed the townsite of Bay City. ‘Red Car’ service began in 1904 transporting tourists and early residents. The town was incorporated in 1915 and renamed Seal Beach.”
This particular marker is Orange County Historical Site #10, placed here nearly 50 years ago in 1976.
Many of these sites are protected and preserved—and best of all, most are free to visit (or ask only for a small donation).
**********
Your Wonder Quest
Head to this link https://www.hmdb.org where you can search for your local historical sites. Pick one, plan a visit—take your kids, your grandkids, or even make it a day date with your sweetheart. You never know what historical wonders are waiting right in your own town.