California Ghost Town: Wingo

Sonoma County is the place for a little digging into the early history of California. One, the location for the short lived Sonoma Prismoid railroad, two the town of Wingo (population 1) built for the purposes of the steamboat landing, three the remnants of a Southern Pacific Railroad swing bridge during their short venture into Sonoma county in the 19th century. In situations where one is looking in these out of the way locations, be very careful that you don't trespass. Some property owners don't appreciate strangers.

Category:

Education

Tags:

• Sonoma
• County
• Wingo
• Ghost
• town
• Prismoid
• Railroad
• Southern
• Pacific
• Northwest

[JimR56]

Very interesting, thank you. I stumbled onto it when I did an online search for "Wingo". The setting was featured in a video by Norton Buffalo and Roy Rogers where they sang a tune called "Ain't No Bread In The Bread Box". Norton also had a song (on one of his 1970's LPs) called "High Tide In Wingo". Now I have some perspective on this. Thanks again. (and R.I.P. Norton... 1951-2009)

[Amiduffer]

Can't say I've ever heard of Mr. Buffalo. Did he used to live up in that area?

[wrybread]

This is just so fantastically well done. Mind if I ask what you're doing your 3d modelling in?

[Amiduffer]

The old Imagine3D program done with the Windows version. Thanks for the complement.

[Amiduffer]

Yeah, its certainly an obscure part of California history. 8) I'm surprised that Mr. Kohn didn't just bridge the road. I vaguely recall that a similar monorail system for mining was built in the southwest desert somewhere which worked out quite well, despite the obvious limitations of wood rails.

[railfanalways]

Yeah but it was history I never knew about and found it very interesting. At least they tried to make it work.

[Amiduffer]

I can't say if this story had a happy ending. 8)

[railfanalways]

That was very interesting, I love stories like this, thank you for sharing!!!!

[ockteby]

As soon as the rattle snakes hibernate I will.

Frank :-)

[Amiduffer]

Did you ever get out to that abandoned area you mentioned earlier?