Colfax, CA (COX)

Ticket Revenue

FY 2011

$340,482

Station Ridership

FY 2011

4,036

Note: Fiscal year is from
October through September.

Originally built in 1906, the renovation of this wooden facility was begun in 2004 and completed in March 2007. The funding sources included the city of Colfax, the Union Pacific (UP) Railroad, grants from the United Auburn Indian Community and the National Park Service Historical Building Society, with donations of time and materials from various contractors and volunteers.

Amtrak shares the space with the Colfax Historical Museum, the Chamber of Commerce Visitors Center and there is space for meetings and receptions. A UP office will be located there in the future.

In 2011 Colfax’s station received a new wheel chair lift from Amtrak toward compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Colfax was home to the Maidu Indian tribe. Alder Grove, later Illinoistown, began as a winter camp for trappers and miners. This was the site of the first stage coach robbery in the gold country. In April 1852, the Reelfoot Williams Gang stole $7,000 in gold bullion. They were gunned down a few days later in Yuba City.

In 1865, Schuyler Colfax, Speaker of the House of Representatives and eventual Vice President under Ulysses S. Grant, came to Illinoistown while inspecting Central Pacific Railroad construction. On that occasion, the town was renamed for him.

The town was known as the gateway to the Sierra Mountains and it is still appropriate to call it that today.

The farmers in Colfax grow Barlett pears, Hungarian prunes and Tokay grapes.

Amtrak does not provide ticketing or baggage services at this facility.

Colfax is served by two daily trains.