Martinez in Contra Costa County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Pony Express Ferry "Carquinez"
Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, February 8, 2009
1. Pony Express Ferry "Carquinez" Marker
Martinez
Sponsors: Wells Fargo Since 1852 · Ray & Denis Fowler · Haute Stuff Restaurant · Robert & Susan Chandler · A.T. Bray Family · Thomas & Catherine Greerty · Romeo Family · McMahon-Telfer Properties · Redmond O'Colonies "American Champion Town Crier" · Betty J. Maffei · Contra Costa History Center
{Reverse side:}
Captain Oliver C. Coffin and his brothers ordered the ferry "Carquinez" from an eastern shipyard where it was framed and fitted. The double-end dual paddle wheel was modeled after the New York-Brooklyn ferryboats.
It was dismantled and then shipped around Cape Horn as balast in the hold of a sailing ship. It was then reassembled and in 1854 launched. The ferry operated between here and Benicia. At night it docked on the wharf at the foot of Ferry Street, 250 feet north of this site.
Pony Express rider Thomas Bedford boarded the ferry at Benicia on April 23, 1860. On this ferry he found that his horse had thrown a shoe. Casemoro
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© 2005 Joe Nardone
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Trebino Family · Greg & Karen Del Bonta Family · Westamerica Bank · Martinez Jewelry Center · Tom (XPTOM) Crews · Carl & Joanne Dunivan · Carlo's Shoe Repair · Washington Mutual · Telfer Oil Company · Ray Pallota · Jim & Merlyne Means · Ray's Lounge · Reed's Cameras and Imaging · US Bank
Erected 2005 by See front of marker.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Communications • Notable Events • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical date for this entry is April 23, 2005.
Location. 38° 1.164′ N, 122° 8.233′ W. Marker is in Martinez, California, in Contra Costa County. Marker is on Ferry Street near Marina Vista Avenue, on the left when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Martinez CA 94553, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Martinez Troops-In-Transit Canteen (within shouting distance of this marker); Southern Pacific R.R. Depot (within shouting distance of this marker); Martinez-Benicia Ferry (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); 815 Marina Vista (about
Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, February 8, 2009
2. Pony Express Ferry "Carquinez" Marker - Reverse Side
More about this marker. The marker is located just off of Ferry Street, on the west side of the road just as one enters the parking lot for the (new) Amtrak Station.
Also see . . .
1. The "Carquinez". The steam ferry boat "Carquinez" was used to transport the Pony Express rider and horse between Benicia and Martinez, California, when the mail was routed overland between Sacramento and Oakland due to missed boat connections in Sacramento. (Submitted on May 21, 2009.)
2. Thomas Bedford, first rider to carry mail into Oakland, Ca. National Pony Express Association: Pony Express Gazette, April 2019 article (page 7) (Submitted on September 20, 2020, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, February 8, 2009
3. Pony Express Ferry "Carquinez" Marker - Wide Shot
In the background is the new Martinez Amtrak Station.
Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, February 8, 2009
4. Pony Express Ferry "Carquinez" Marker - Wide Shot, Reverse Side
In the background is the Old Amtrak Station.
Credits. This page was last revised on September 20, 2020. It was originally submitted on May 21, 2009, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 1,842 times since then and 37 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on May 21, 2009, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.
