- The community of Niles is rich in history and has gained recognition as a truly unique spot in the San Francisco Bay Area. In 1869, The Central Pacific Railroad came through Niles Canyon on its first transcontinental journey over its newly built line. In 1912, Niles was chosen as the home of one of the first West Coast motion picture companies, Essanay Studios. Charlie Chaplin and Broncho Billy ...www.niles.org