South Beach in San Francisco City and County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Beale Street
Swashbuckler who made good, Edward Beale began a career of adventure at the age of fourteen when he became a Navy midshipman. Sailing to California in time for the War with Mexico in 1846, he won honors for his heroic daring. In 1848 he carried the first official news of the California gold discovery back to Washington. He later carried out many official missions where bravery and independence of mind were required, and brought camels for the military to use in the western deserts. In old age, he ran his huge Tehachapi rancho as his own principality. A 19th-Century adventurer, he did not quite outlive his times.
“Men are very fond of proving their steadfast adherence to nonsense.” – Edward Beale • 1842
Erected by San Francisco Art Commission for the Waterfront Transportation Projects.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Roads & Vehicles • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1846.
Location. 37° 47.103′ N, 122° 23.298′ W. Marker is in San Francisco, California, in San Francisco City and County. It is in South Beach. Marker is on Embarcadero near Brannan Street, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 582 Embarcaderi, San Francisco CA 94107, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Brannan Street (within shouting distance of this marker); Beale Street Wharf (within shouting distance of this marker); The Bay Bridge (within shouting distance of this marker); Fremont Street (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Matson Line (about 600 feet away); The Alaska Packers (about 700 feet away); Rincon Hill (about 700 feet away); Bryant Street (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in San Francisco.
Also see . . . Brigadier General Edward Fitzgerald Beale - California State Military Museum. Within the next two years, Beale made six more journeys across the country. On the second of these (July-September 1848), he crossed Mexico in disguise to bring the federal government proof of California's gold. (Submitted on March 24, 2014, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.)
Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on March 24, 2014, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 535 times since then and 10 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on March 24, 2014, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. 7. submitted on December 24, 2020. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.