Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco City and County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Petaluma’s Sternwheel

Photographed By Joseph Alvarado

1. Petaluma’s Sternwheel Marker

Inscription. The Petaluma was the last of the San Francisco riverboats. Her shallow hull and sternwheel remained useful on the Petaluma River long after her sisters had quit the major rivers.

During the 19th century, these passenger and cargo boats, operating on the inland river system, were the primary link between San Franisco and the towns and farming communities of the California interior. Running between San Francisco and Petaluma, the Petaluma made more than 10,000 trips over the 36-mile route. She carried passengers and served the chicken ranchers for which Petaluma was famous.

Finally retired in 1950, she was exhibited in Oakland until she burned and sank in 1956.

”After 35 years, eight months and ten days we tie up for good. This ends 103 years of stern wheel navigation on San Francisco Bay and tributaries.”
John H. Urton, Master, Final Log Entry
August 24, 1950

Basic Facts
Built: 1914, Benicia, California
Builder: James Robertson
Length Overall: 148 feet
Draft: 7 feet, 6 inches
Sternwheel Diameter: 18 feet

Erected by National Park Service.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical date for this entry is August 24, 1950.

Location. 37°

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48.478′ N, 122° 25.249′ W. Marker is in San Francisco, California, in San Francisco City and County. It is in Fisherman's Wharf. Marker is on Hyde Street north of Jefferson Street, on the right when traveling north. The resin marker is mounted to a metal frame in front of the sternwheel. The marker and sternwheel are just inside the fee area for the San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park on the Hyde Street Pier. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 2905 Hyde Street, San Francisco CA 94109, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Steam Donkey Engine (here, next to this marker); Lewis Bay Ark (here, next to this marker); Wapama’s Engine (a few steps from this marker); The South End Rowing Club (within shouting distance of this marker); Sanitation at Sea (within shouting distance of this marker); The Dolphin Swimming and Boating Club (within shouting distance of this marker); Why Here? (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Port in Action (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in San Francisco.

More about this marker. Inset Images:
The Petaluma riverboat seen broadside, probably in the Petaluma River (main image); quartering view of the Petaluma paddlewheel, August 1950 (above).

Related marker.

Petaluma’s Sternwheel and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Joseph Alvarado, October 7, 2023

2. Petaluma’s Sternwheel and Marker

Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. Previous Marker: Petaluma's Sternwheel

Also see . . . San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park.

"The Park includes a magnificent fleet of historic ships, a Visitor Center, Maritime Museum, Maritime Research Center, and Aquatic Park Historic District."

(Submitted on October 8, 2023, by Joseph Alvarado of Livermore, California.)

<i>Petaluma</i> image. Click for full size.

Photographed By University of Wisconsin–Madison

3. Petaluma

Credits. This page was last revised on October 8, 2023. It was originally submitted on October 8, 2023, by Joseph Alvarado of Livermore, California. This page has been viewed 67 times since then and 21 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on October 8, 2023, by Joseph Alvarado of Livermore, California.