Bringing Efficiency to the Rail Industry

Our History

The Oregon and California Railroad began its history all the way back in 1880 with the Albany-Lebanon Railroad that connected communities throughout the Willamette Valley.

Once the railroad was completed, its ownership was transferred to the Oregon and California Railroad. The railroad transported logs, lumber, and agricultural goods throughout the Willamette Valley.

The railroad was first laid by the Oregon & California Railroad. The Southern Pacific Railroad then took over this company and expanded to branch lines in 1887. The SP would later expand the reach of this line with branch lines, even though much original hardware has been replaced over time.

As demand for lumber grew, the Southern Pacific began constructing a new branch line connecting Lebanon with Mill City. The line between Mill City and Albany was completed in 1910. Lumber and logs were transported from Mill City to the rest of the west.

The Oregon Electric Company constructed the Sweet Home branch line. It connected Foster and Sweet Home to the then SP Railroad. Since 2007, the owners have augmented and improved their system.

The Mill City Branch was rebuilt and renovated to larger rails to serve modern needs. Its construction was finished on time and under budget. Today, the AERC wants to improve safety while reducing travel times to move efficient freight, still serving communities throughout the Willamette Valley.