Ship Propeller Drive Shaft
This shipbuilding site was known to have state-of-the-art equipment throughout its existence. Recovered from historic Union Iron Works Building 113, this massive drive shaft connected a ship's engine with its propeller, turning it with tremendous force.
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, steerin
apparatus, and piping.
Erected 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° 45.741′ N, 122° 23.242′ W. Marker is in San Francisco, California, in San Francisco City and County. It is in Dogpatch. It can be reached from Illinois Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: San Francisco CA 94107, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Yard Evolution: New Power and Production (within shouting distance of this marker); Building 49 (within shouting distance of this marker); Yard Layout: Form Follows Function (within shouting distance of this marker); Industrial Architecture (within shouting distance of this marker); Radial Drill Press (within shouting distance of this marker); Crane 14 (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Industrialization of the Shoreline (about 500 feet away); Steel Lathe (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in San Francisco.
More about this marker. The marker is located within Crane Cove Park, south of Building 49, roughly where 19th Street would be if it ran into the park.
Also see . . . Union Iron Works Historic District.
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 253 times since then and 8 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on November 5, 2020, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California.
