During the construction of the Western Pacific Railroad, and with the rails reaching California, the big question was where the division point would be. There were two small stations, that sought that destination—Rayl, now the site of Herlong and Omira, just a short distance south of Doyle. While those two places were never serious contenders the battle was between Doyle and Portola. Each had their unique assets, but it was Portola that would claim victor.
Well need to know, Western Pacific Railroad didn’t build to Portola, the company name was Western Pacific Railway. Different companies…