Holden is the transfer point between the Stockton & Copperopolis and the Stockton & Ione Railroads. Since the S&I is narrow gauge, goods have to be transfered from one car to the other. A transfer shed for freight along with an overhead crane handles the packaged goods while coal transfer bins are used to convey that commodity into the standard gauge cars. The narrow gauge cars are run up a short ramp where the coal can be shoveled into the bins from the low-sided gondolas.

Since Holden is still in farming country, it is home to a fruit packer, winery and so on. There is some dual-gauge trackage to allow the narrow gauge to reach the depot and its house track.

The real Holden was a single-ended spur with a waiting shelter. If the Stockton & Ione Railroad had been built from here as planned, then Holden would have to be increased in importance just as Dr. Holden would have wanted.

Leaving Holden, the narrow gauge merges with the S&C into some three-rail track to cross the bridge over Mormon Creek. After the crossing, the S&I heads off north to Ione City.

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