Lincoln Park in San Francisco City and County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Electric Streetcar Line
A Breathtaking Ride
Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, August 16, 2017
1. Electric Streetcar Line Marker
The No. 1 Sutter and California streetcar line, known to locals as "the cliff line," followed the same route as the famed Ferries & Cliff House Railway built earlier by Adolph Sutro. Like Sutro's steam train, the electric trolley, was known for its spectacular views — and its perilous route. Despite retaining walls along portions of the line, including the cement wall behind you, landslides and washouts were common, requiring constant repairs.
In February 1925, heavy rains caused several landslides, damaging sections of the tracks. Repairs were deemed too costly, and the line was abandoned. A breathtaking ride was over forever.
Erected by Golden Gate National Recreation Area, National Park Service.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Railroads & Streetcars.
Location. 37° 47.048′ N, 122° 30.55′ W. Marker is in San Francisco, California, in San Francisco City and County. It is in Lincoln Park. Marker can
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Navigating the Golden Gate (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Golden Gate (about 700 feet away); Port of San Francisco (about 700 feet away); Lands End (about 800 feet away); Death of a Sailor (approx. 0.2 miles away); FDR's Salute (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Naval Battle of Guadalcanal (approx. 0.2 miles away); This Memorial to Rear Admiral Daniel J. Callaghan (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in San Francisco.
More about this marker. The marker is accessible only by foot. From the Land's End parking lot, follow the Coastal Trail for 10-15 minutes to the second concrete lookout.
circa 1890
2. The Cliff House and Seal Rocks, Looking North From Ocean Beach (marker inset photo)
The Ferries and Cliff House Railway, later the No. 1 Sutter and California Trolley, brought working San Franciscans to the beach to play. The line conveniently terminated just steps from Adolph Sutro's colossal swim palace, Sutro Baths, and the famous Cliff House.
Photographed By San Francisco Municipal Railway, 1905
3. Electric Streetcar Line (marker inset photo)
As streetcars became a popular mode of transportation, the old steam train "cliff line"(on the left) was converted to an electric trolley line. In this photo, old tracks are being removed, and the route widened.
Postcard published by Edward H. Mitchell, San Francisco, circa 1908
4. Lands End, Overlooking the Golden Gate, San Francisco, California
Lands End Station, midway along the cliffside route, (located near here in the past) offered passengers a cozy waiting room, food concessions, and souvenirs.
This postcard is the same as displayed on the marker, albeit with differences in the colors (that were hand-applied, i.e. black and white photos that were subsequently colored).
This postcard is the same as displayed on the marker, albeit with differences in the colors (that were hand-applied, i.e. black and white photos that were subsequently colored).
Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, August 16, 2017
5. Electric Streetcar Line Marker - Wide View
Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on August 20, 2017, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 295 times since then and 14 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on August 20, 2017, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. 2, 3, 4. submitted on August 21, 2017, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. 5. submitted on August 20, 2017, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California.
