With the advent of steam the redwood logs were transported from the woods landing over short company railroads such as those shown in this scenic view. The Excelsior Redwood Company was formed in 1886, owned 24,000 acres with operations in Freshwater, California and owned several locomotives by 1890, when this view was taken by A.W. Ericson who traveled throughout the area taking photographs for display at the Chicago Columbian Exposition of 1893. Here is an 1890s view of the train station at Freshwater California. Home of the Excelsior Lumber Company Humboldt County. Front and center in the photo are two men. The story goes that the man on the left wearing a derby was the log broker and also the Mayor of Eureka. Shortly after this photo was taken, he reportedly was put in jail for selling the same logs to two or even three different mills-lending credence to the saying that the con man is as American as apple pie!