Goumaz, California Explained

Goumaz
Settlement Type:Former settlement
Pushpin Map:California
Pushpin Label Position:bottom
Pushpin Map Caption:Location in California
Subdivision Type:Country
Subdivision Type1:State
Subdivision Name1:California
Subdivision Type2:County
Subdivision Name2:Lassen County
Coordinates:40.4139°N -120.8625°W
Elevation M:1586
Elevation Ft:5203

Goumaz (also, Goumez) is a former rail station and settlement in Lassen County, California where a campground is now located. It was located on the Southern Pacific Railroad 10.5miles northeast of Westwood, at an elevation of 5203 feet (1586 m).

It is likely named for Philip J. Goumaz, who came to California and Lassen County in the 1860s.[1]

The Fernley and Lassen Railway line along which the Goumaz station was located was built in 1912–14. The Goumaz station was completed as a water stop in 1913.[2] In July 1917, a train car body was used as a living quarters for railroad employees assigned to Goumaz. By the next summer, seven railroad owned structures were on site. Two more tie houses were added in 1923, when a fence was also added around the section house because of the young families with children now living there. The buildings were taken down in 1957 after the local section forces stopped being used by the railroad.[3]

The Fernley and Lassen Railway was abandoned in 1978, and the section along which the Goumaz station was located is now part of the Bizz Johnson rail trail. The Goumaz campground is now located there within the Lassen National Forest.[4] Not So Busy Times on the Bizz, High on Adventure (September 2016)

Notes and References

  1. Gudde, Erin G. California Place Names, p. 125 (1960)
  2. https://npgallery.nps.gov/GetAsset/ef4162fd-02a8-43b9-84fb-e5c0972cd063 National Register of Historic Places, Registration Form, Fernley and Lassen Railway Depot
  3. Myrick, David. F. Railroads of Nevada and Eastern California, p. 127 (2016)
  4. https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/lassen/recarea/?recid=11407 Goumaz