Benicia in Solano County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Pony Express Ferry “Carquinez”

Photographed by Syd Whittle, February 19, 2009

1. Front of Pony Express Ferry “Carquinez” Marker

Inscription.
[Front of Marker:] Dedicated April 23, 2000 by James Stretesky Benicia Historical Society Benicia (N.S.G.W.) Native Sons Richard & Veronica Tipton Benicia Camel Barn Museum Exxon Mobile, Benicia Refinery Benicia Chamber of Commerce Benicia Volunteer Fire Department Pony Express Trail Association [A list of sponsors is on bottom of base]
[Back of marker:]
Captain Oliver C. Coffin and his brothers purchased the ferry “Carquinez” from an eastern shipyard. The double end dual paddle wheel ferry modeled after the New York-Brooklyn ferry boats of that period. It was shipped around Cape Horn as ballast in a sailing ship and put in use by the Coffins in 1854.

An 1860 schedule shows that this ferry operated every 30 minutes between Benicia and Martinez. The first trip of each day left at 8:00 a.m. from Martinez to Benicia.

On April 23, 1860, the ferry was alerted by telegraph from Sacramento to be in Benicia early. The ferry was needed to carry the Pony Express mail across the Strait. The ferry docked here at the foot of First Street and Pony Express rider Thomas Bedford was on board the ferry at 7:05 a.m.
2000

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Joe Nardone
[A list of donors is on bottom of base]

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Communications • Roads & Vehicles • Settlements & Settlers • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Pony Express National Historic Trail series list. A significant historical date for this entry is April 23, 1920.

Location. 38° 2.669′ N, 122° 9.759′ W. Marker is in Benicia, California, in Solano County. It is on First Street, on the right when traveling south. Marker is located at the foot of 1st Street at the entrance to the parking area. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Benicia CA 94510, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in California’s San Francisco Bay Area,

in Sacramento Valley,

and specifically in the Central Valley.

It is also on the American Pacific Coast.

Globally, it is in North America,

on the Ring of Fire,

in the Pacific Rim,

in the Western Hemisphere,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain

and also Mexico’s Alta California.

Other nearby markers. At