Located in a remote section of the East Bay, Drawbridge began as a gaming village. With the 1920's and prohibition, the town boomed for a while as people rode special trains out to Drawbridge. However it was essentially abandoned in the 1930's with the end of prohibition. Submitted by John Bertolini.

Prohibition did not markedly influence the rise or fall of Drawbridge. The significantly larger factors were the uncontrolled sewage from San Jose and Newark towns, followed by the proliferation of salt ponds, then followed by lowering water table (wells went saline). Plus cultural changes making it less attractive as destination or place to live.

Also, by showing “2WD” as the way to get there, although you mention it is private and illegal to go there now, seems to encourage people to visit. People making illegal entry across the railroad tracks is dangerous for them and the site. The fines are hefty. Station Island (and Drawbridge) property is not “private”; it is primarily federally owned. People can legally and easily view the town from the trail spur (walk or bicycle) on the south side of Coyote Creek.

I am writing to correct these impressions since I do the Drawbridge talk and van tour as a volunteer for the Don Edwards National Wildlife Refuge Complex.

Cecilia (Ceal) D. Craig, PhD