Rail Roads (1880s) With the arrival of the railroads, San Bernardino changed from a sleepy town, whose first depot was a boxcar, to an enterprising city. In 1883, the Southern Pacific arrived in Colton. In 1885, the Santa Fe completed its line through the Cajon Pass into the city itself. By the 1890s, San Bernardino was becoming a railroad town and import trade center. In 1918, Santa Fe built a beautiful depot which is currently being restored to its original mission revival style. Today, the railroad continues to serve business, visitors and commuters with Metrolink routes to Los Angeles, Orange County, and the beach.