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A bridge utilized by the Copper Basin Railway. John Hernandez | Nugget
Just before Christmas 2013, the Kearny Fire Department and Jake Jacobson of Copper Basin Railway collected and delivered a “sleighful” of toys for local children who might not otherwise have presents to open on Christmas Day. Santa’s helpers, from left are: Angie Gotto, Jake Jacobson, Lora Snow and Tim Gotto. And it wouldn’t be Christmas without Jake’s traditional delivery vehicle, his vintage black Mustang convertible (or as we choose to call it – his “one horse open sleigh.”
Pinal Nugget
The rail line known as the Copper Basin Railway (CBRY) began its life as part of the Santa Fe Railway which was an affiliate of the Phoenix and Eastern Railroad and was built between 1902 and 1904. The railway connected Phoenix to Winkelman via Florence. In 1904 the Phoenix and Eastern became part of a legal battle for control of the railroads in Arizona between Santa Fe Railroad interests and the Southern Pacific Railroad. The Phoenix and Eastern was granted the right of way for the line that is now controlled by the CBRY.
The line travels from Winkelman to Magma Junction following the Gila River. In 1911 the track was extended 6.35 miles to Christmas, Ariz. to serve the mine operations there. This track extension would be abandoned in 1961. It also hauled copper concentrate, freight, mail and passengers.
Over its history this railroad line has changed ownership numerous times, being operated by the Arizona Eastern, Santa Fe, Prescott, and Phoenix Railway, Southern Pacific Railroad and Kennecott Copper. In 1986 Kennecott Copper sold the railroad to Rail Management Corporation and Copper Basin Railway was started. Lowell “Jake” Jacobson was made COO and helped turn the railroad into one of the most efficient and safest short line railroads in the country.
In 1993 severe flooding of the Gila River nearly destroyed the railroad. Perseverance and around the clock labor by CBRY workers led by COO Jake Jacobson saved much of the railroad line. This effort as well as Jake’s commitment to safety and loyalty to his employees earned him the honor of Railway Ages “Railroader of the Year” for 1994. He was named “Great Railroader of the Century” in 1999.
Asarco – Grupo purchased the CBRY railroad in 2006. They are also its chief customer. The railroad transports copper ore and concentrates from Ray Mine to the Hayden Smelter and carries sulfuric acid from the Hayden plant to the Ray Mine. It also transports copper anodes and cathodes. It connects with the San Manuel Arizona Railroad Company (SMARRCO) line and is used by SMARRCO to transport concentrate to connecting lines to the port of Guaymas, Mexico. The CBRY has seen a lot of history in its 110 plus years of existence. Just like the Gila River CBRY keeps on rolling along.
John Hernandez lives in Oracle. He is retired and enjoys writing and traveling. He is active in the Oracle Historical Society. He covers numerous public events, researches historical features and writes business/artist profiles.
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