In honor of the Mill Valley and Mt. Tamalpais Scenic Railway, a fund-raising effort is under way to build the Gravity Car Barn, a permanent home for the brilliantly recreated Gravity Car and an interpretive display highlighting this special time in California and Mt. Tamalpais history. To be constructed over a section of the 84 feet of standard gauge track at the historic rail siding on East Peak, the Barn will serve as an educational facility and visitor center for Marin and beyond.

Those who live in the shadow of its majesty, who have climbed its many challenging trails, who have marveled at the 360 degree views from its summit, or have spent time pondering its impact on the skyline of the San Francisco Bay Area, cherish the power and natural beauty of Mt. Tamalpais. One hundred years ago, people as impressed and inspired by "The Sleeping Lady" came for a visit from the world over. Their goal -- to steam up the mountain in what was affectionately called "The Crookedest Railroad in the World."

Traversing the double bow-knot, locals and tourists alike delighted in jaw-dropping vistas as they reached the 2,571 foot summit at East Peak for a day of unparalleled sightseeing, dinner at the Tavern of Tamalpais and dancing in the Pavilion. At day's end, the daring would climb aboard the Gravity Car, and the "Gravity Man" would "turn on the gravity", and down they would coast over 8 1/4 miles, around 281 turns on the mountain's 7 % grade to the Mill Valley depot or Muir Woods. This was clearly the "E" ticket ride of its day!

By 1930, the railroad was usurped in popularity and practicality by a road to the top of the mountain and the novelty of automobiles. However, the spirit of the Mt. Tamalpais steam train and Gravity Car still lingers in the hearts and minds of those lucky enough to have experienced it as well as in those who have heard tales of it from their parents or grandparents.

Raising the Gravity Car Barn will provide a much needed and publicly requested space for the kind of interactive, interpretive programs found so stimulating and informative. By building the Gravity Car Barn, we will ensure that the substance and spirit of those times will be our gift to the future. We invite you to join us.