Union Pacific's daily, northbound ZLCLT (Los Angeles, Calif. - Lathrop, Calif.) twists and turns between Russ and Ravenna as today's heavy train climbs the grade through the ex-Southern Pacific's Soledad Canyon crossing. Part of the original North-South rail connection that linked California together in September of 1876, Ravenna consisted of a small station and water spigot that would quenched the thirst of steam locomotives working through treacherous canyon. It also served as a shipping point for Yucca Dranconis, a type of cactus used at the time for creating a superior grade of bank note paper.
