Embarcadero in San Francisco City and County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Waterfront Railroad

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, December 18, 2014

1. Waterfront Railroad Marker

Inscription. Construction of the State Belt Railroad began in 1889, making it possible to load and unload ships directly to railcars on the piers. At first, rail spurs ran down the center of piers inside the sheds. After 1910, most tracks were laid on the pier aprons outside the sheds. In both cases doorways had to be large enough for trains to pass through the front. It ceased operation in 1993.

Did you know...
The Port of San Francisco was a State of California agency for more than 100 years, from 1863 to 1969. It is now run by the City and County of San Francisco, and managed consistent with State Public Trust doctrine.

Erected 2013 by Port of San Francisco.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Railroads & Streetcars.

Location. 37° 47.245′ N, 122° 23.261′ W. Marker is in San Francisco, California, in San Francisco City and County. It is in Embarcadero. Marker is on The Embarcadero near Bryant Street, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 501 The Embarcadero, San Francisco CA 94105, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Bryant Street (within shouting distance of this marker); Spear Street (within shouting

Paid Advertisement

Click on the ad for more information.
Please report objectionable advertising to the Editor.

Click or scan to see
this page online

distance of this marker); The Matson Line (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Bay Bridge (about 700 feet away); Harrison Street (about 800 feet away); Rincon Hill (approx. 0.2 miles away); Beale Street (approx. 0.2 miles away); Hills Brothers Coffee (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in San Francisco.

Also see . . . The State Belt Railroad (1890-1993) -- National Park Service. The original purpose of the State Belt Railroad was to serve the waterfront's commercial shipping activities but as the city's needs changed, so did the length and scope of the railroad. During World War I, in an effort to support the military's shipping needs, a railroad tunnel was constructed to extend the Belt Railroad out to the Fort Mason army post. By 1917, the state extended the railroad out to the Presidio army base. At the height of the State Belt Railroad, 67 miles of track were in service. (Submitted on March 3, 2016, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.)

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, December 18, 2014

2. Waterfront Railroad Marker

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, December 18, 2014

3. Waterfront Railroad Marker

State Belt Railroad image. Click for full size.

Photographed By SF Gate

4. State Belt Railroad

Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on March 3, 2016, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 333 times since then and 21 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on March 3, 2016, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.