The Journal of San Diego History
SAN DIEGO HISTORICAL SOCIETY QUARTERLY
Spring 1988, Volume 34, Number 2
Thomas L. Scharf, Editor

by James N. Price

Spreckels Empire

JACUMBA

History: Built in 1919, Jacumba’s small stucco station looks more like a house than a train depot. It was used for passenger service until 1951 and for years later as a freight station. The most interesting feature at Jacumba is the yard, which contains several old railroad cars that appear to have provided temporary housing for train crews.

Present Use: Jacumba’s former station is leased as a private residence.

Location: The station building and yard are located at the north end of Railroad Avenue about 1/4 mile north of old Highway 80, Jacumba’s main street. The road goes through a sandy wash which occasionally is flooded in the rainy season.

Jacumba's little station  
Jacumba’s little station seen in the busier days of the 1950s. (San Diego History Center – Ticor Collection)

Jacumba station today  
The Jacumba station today, seen after a rare snow storm. This private residence is flanked by a fairly extensive yard containing several rail cars and sidetracts.