Embarcadero in San Francisco City and County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Splendid Survivor
The Ferry Building officially opened in 1898, but was not completed until 1903, just three years before the Great San Francisco Earthquake. At 245 feet, the clock tower was the tallest San Francisco structure on its time, causing worry about its stability. The steel-framed tower survived the 1906 earthquake, but the clock stopped at 5:12 a.m., when the quake hit. The clock hands remained at this time for almost a year.
Did you know...
“The Waterfront without the Ferry Tower would be like a birthday cake without a candle.” penned Herb Caen, celebrated columnist of the San Francisco Chronicle. In his honor, the three-mile stretch of the The Embarcadero Promenade from Taylor Street to AT&T Park is named Herb Caen Way at Baghdad by the Bay, as he dubbed San Francisco.
Erected 2013 by Port of San Francisco.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Notable Buildings • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1898.
Location. Marker has been reported permanently removed. It was located near 37° 47.711′ N, 122° 23.616′ W. Marker was in San Francisco, California, in San Francisco City and County. It was in Embarcadero. Marker was on The Embarcadero near Market Street, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker was in this post office area: San Francisco CA 94105, United States of America.
We have been informed that this sign or monument is no longer there and will not be replaced. This page is an archival view of what was.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location. Signs of History (a few steps from this marker); Port Time (a few steps from this marker); Ferry Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Klebingat Recalls The City Front (within shouting distance of this marker); Fruit Seller (within shouting distance of this marker); Freeway Supports (within shouting distance of this marker); San Francisco Vietnam Veterans Memorial (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Stephan C. Leonoudakis (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in San Francisco.
More about this marker. This marker is located in front of the Ferry Building.
Also see . . . Ferry Building Story. Opening in 1898 on the site of the 1875 wooden Ferry House, the Ferry Building became the transportation focal point for anyone arriving by train from the East, as well as from all the East Bay and Marin residents who worked in the city. From the Gold Rush until the 1930s, arrival by ferryboat became the only way travelers and commuters—except those coming from the Peninsula—could reach the city. (Submitted on April 30, 2014, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.)
Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 30, 2014, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 680 times since then and 19 times this year. Last updated on June 22, 2022, by Joseph Alvarado of Livermore, California. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on April 30, 2014, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.