Siberia, California, San Bernardino County is a ghost town that once thrived as a small railroad stop in the vast Mojave Desert. Its desolate location and intriguing history captivate those seeking stories of the past and the echoes of a once-bustling train route. Below is detailed information about the town.
County: San Bernardino
Zip Code: Not available
Latitude / Longitude: 34.5517° N, 115.7436° W
Elevation: Approximately 1,181 feet (360 meters)
Time Zone: Pacific Time Zone (PT)
Established: Early 1900s
Disestablished: 1970s
Comments: Siberia served as a water stop for the steam engines on the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway. It was part of a series of small outposts that provided essential services to the railroad and its workers.
The town’s remote location in the Mojave Desert made it challenging to live in, contributing to its eventual decline.
Remains: Today, the remnants of Siberia are sparse but evocative. Visitors can find scattered ruins and debris, including foundations and weathered timbers. The old rail line, which once ran through the town, can still be traced, though the rails have long been removed.
Current Status: Siberia is considered a ghost town, with no permanent residents. It is an intriguing destination for those exploring the history of the Mojave Desert and the bygone era of railroad towns. Since 2001, all traces of the town have been removed.
Remarks: Siberia’s story is a tribute to the fleeting nature of frontier settlements and the relentless march of progress. The town’s rise and fall are emblematic of many such communities that sprang up during the expansion of the American West, only to be abandoned as technology and transportation evolved.
Today, it offers a haunting glimpse into a past era and a reminder of the harsh realities faced by those who dared to settle in such remote regions.
