The History of Beard
The Beard Family has a distinguished business history in Modesto and surrounding area. We are proud to be able to display, as part of our legacy, a land grant to Mr. Elihu Burritt Beard (the father of our founder, T. K. Beard), dated 1861 and executed by President Abraham Lincoln, for land which today remains in the Beard family. What began in the late 1800’s as agriculture and farmland has evolved into a prosperous, community-respected corporation.
Beard Land Improvement Company was incorporated as a subsidiary of Beard Land & Investment Co.
Beard Land & Investment Co. purchased 160 acres between Dry Creek and Empire, South of Waterford, known today as Yosemite Boulevard.
Beard Land & Investment Co. was formed by the children of T.K. and Grace Ada Beard as parent company to their shared business interests, including MET.
MET awarded CRISI grant funding to help fund new track infrastructure and upgrade of all crossings and 2 locomotives to Tier 4 emission standards.
MET awarded Jake Award for safety.
First 2 RailPower locomotives purchased, funded in part by Carl Moyer grant. A total of 9 purchased between 2008 and 2012, still in use today.
Beard Land Improvement Company was incorporated as a subsidiary of Beard Land & Investment Co.
First diesel locomotive purchased. Continues to operate diesel locomotives today.
Beard Land & Investment Co. purchased 160 acres between Dry Creek and Empire, South of Waterford, known today as Yosemite Boulevard.
Beard Land & Investment Co. was formed by the children of T.K. and Grace Ada Beard as parent company to their shared business interests, including MET.
Connection with Southern Pacific railroad was established.
First steam engine purchased. Continued to operate steam locomotives until 1952.
Passenger service ceased. Rail traffic shifted entirely to freight.
Modesto & Empire Traction Co. (MET) was incorporated, and the first passenger trip from Modesto to Empire was completed, using a gasoline powered locomotive.
