Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco City and County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Workin' on the Railroad

Hercules' Second Career, 1924-1962

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, March 4, 2017

1. Workin' on the Railroad Marker

Captions: (bottom left) Hercules at work in the 1930s. Barges were handled alongside, on the tug's starboard side.; (center) Part of the crew during the W.P. years.

Inscription. Between 1924 and 1962, Hercules worked for the Western Pacific Railroad moving railroad cars on barges between Oakland/Alameda and Islais Creek/Fishermam's Wharf. Because these car floats were pushed and pulled from the side, rather than simply towed astern, Hercules' strong steel hull took a lot of bumps. For extra protection, a fender rail was added on her starboard side.
The tug crews, only eight men all told, worked regular shifts and slept at home. In the early years, two crews worked twelve-hour shifts, but this was latter reduced to an eight-hour day. Toward the end of this career, Hercules herself worked intermittently. Her railroad duties were finally taken over by a diesel-powered, self-propelled car float, the Las Plumas.

Erected by National Park Service.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Railroads & Streetcars • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1924.

Location. 37° 48.589′ N, 122° 25.336′ W. Marker is in San Francisco, California, in San Francisco City and County. It is in Fisherman's Wharf. Marker can be reached from Hyde Street near Jefferson Street, on the left when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 2950 Hyde Street, San Francisco CA 94109, United States of America. Touch for directions.

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At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Towing in the Open Ocean (here, next to this marker); Steam Tug Hercules (here, next to this marker); The Deckhouse (a few steps from this marker); The Half-Deck (a few steps from this marker); The Carpenter Shop... (a few steps from this marker); The Cathead... (a few steps from this marker); The Forecastle... (within shouting distance of this marker); Balclutha (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in San Francisco.

More about this marker. The steam tug Hercules, part of the San Francisco Maritime Nation Historical Park, is located on the Hyde Street Pier at the bottom of Hyde Street.

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, March 4, 2017

2. Workin' on the Railroad Marker

The marker is on the left and the steam tug Hercules is in the background.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on March 8, 2017, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 217 times since then and 9 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 8, 2017, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.