National City Railcar Plaza

Location: Bay Marina Dr. & Harrison Ave., National City, CA (map)
More info: Website

Museum Highlights

Once owned by National City founder Frank Kimball, the railcar played a significant role in transportation, serving as the region's first commuter-type train dedicated to passengers. Even the legendary Wyatt Earp rode the train.

The Original 1887 No. 1 Car of the old "MOTOR CANNON BALL" excursion train is now on display at the National City Railcar Museum.

The hip-roofed, lantern-topped car barn is reminiscent of old-time railroad architecture. It is in the center of National City Railcar Plaza, an attractively landscaped public plaza with a grassy lawn, exterior lighting and artistic tile accents.

National City Railcar Plaza is located a block west of I-5 at the corner of Bay Marina Blvd (formerly 24th Street) and Harrison Ave, adjacent to existing railroad tracks and just across the street from National City’s historic “Old Depot.”