Central Waterfront in San Francisco City and County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Steel Lathe
Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, October 30, 2020
1. Steel Lathe Marker
This shipbuilding site was known to have state-of-the-art equipment throughout its existence. Recovered from historic Union Iron Works Building 113, this lathe was fitted with cutting tools used for planing and milling machinery parts from large, steel blanks.
Built in 1886, Building 113 (just south of 20th Street) is one of the earliest extant structures on site. From World War II onwards, it served exclusively as a Machine Shop, part of the shipyard Engineering Department. The work in this building was specific to fabricating a ship's propulsion and auxiliary machinery, steering apparatus, and piping.
Erected 2020 by Union Iron Works Historic District.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1886.
Location. 37° 45.837′ N, 122° 23.247′ W. Marker is in San Francisco, California, in San Francisco City and County. It is in Central Waterfront. Marker can be reached from Illinois Street north of 18th Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: 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. Industrialization of the Shoreline (within shouting distance of this marker); Industrial Architecture (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Yard Layout: Form Follows Function
this page online
More about this marker. The marker is located in the northernmost section of Crane Cove Park (opened October 2020), just to the south of the fence.
Also see . . . Union Iron Works Historic District. NPGallery: Digital Asset Management System website entry (Submitted on November 5, 2020.)
Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, October 30, 2020
2. Steel Lathe and Marker, looking towards Illinois Street
Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on November 5, 2020, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 236 times since then and 14 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 5, 2020, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California.
