This historic mining town, elevation 2,600 feet (788 m), was named after primitive mule-drawn ore cars used here.

It was the site of an Indian council as well as the center of rich placer and quartz mining.

The post office was established in 1857, closed in 1858, and re-established in 1869[3] and the Edwin Taylor store built in 1867.

Clark constructed a ditch from the Mokelumne River, as there was not much water to work the placers.

The reservoir, located on his property, supplied water to the mines and to the town.

The 2010 United States Census[5] reported that Rail Road Flat had a population of 475.

72 households (32.7%) were made up of individuals, and 38 (17.3%) had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.

Independence is an adjacent unincorporated community, that lies at an elevation of 2631 feet (802 m).

In the state legislature, Rail Road Flat is in the 8th Senate District, represented by Democrat Angelique Ashby,[7] and the 5th Assembly District, represented by Republican Joe Patterson.

[8] Federally, Rail Road Flat is in California's 4th congressional district, represented by Democrat Mike Thompson.