Lincoln Park in San Francisco City and County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Sutro’s Steam Train
All aboard for Lands End
In the early 1880s, three miles of sand dunes separated the developed areas of San Francisco from Lands End, where Adolph Sutro was developing popular seaside attractions – Cliff House, the gardens of Sutro Heights, the seven swimming pools at Sutro Baths. A private rail line ran out to Ocean Beach, but Sutro felt its ten-cent fare was outrageous.
To provide affordable public transit, Sutro funded the Ferries & Cliff House Railway. Beach-goers could transfer from cable cars downtown and ride the steam train to Lands End for a mere five-cents. The train’s route wound along this cliff, affording unobstructed ocean views, earning a reputation as one of the most scenic short-line railroads ever built.
Illustration captions:
The Ferries & Cliff House Railway ran three and one quarter miles from the corner of California Street and Presidio Avenue to the depot across from Sutro Heights. Coming around the slope just ahead, the train traveled the same course the California Coastal Trail follows today, past the spot where you stand. Ferries & Cliff House Railway train, c. 1900
[Map of Lands End] The Ferries & Cliff House Railway route, 1897 Vivian Young Periodic landslides plagued the rail line. Retaining walls along parts of the track and ongoing repairs kept the train (and then the electric trolley that replaced it in 1905) running for years. However, a landslide destroyed the line once and for all in 1925.
[Three photos] 1890: California Historical Society;
1901: Bancroft Library;
February 1925 Ute Collection; 1921:
The end of the line was a wooden terminal located at the corner of 48th and Point Lobos Avenues – directly across from the entrance to Sutro Heights.
Erected by Golden Gate National Recreation Area, National Park Service.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Railroads & Streetcars. A significant historical month for this entry is February 1925.
Location. Marker has been reported permanently removed. It was located near 37° 47′ N, 122° 30.689′ W. Marker was in San Francisco, California, in San Francisco City and County. It was in Lincoln Park. Marker was on Lands End Trail west of El Camino del Mar & north of Seal Rock Drive when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker was in this post office area: San Francisco CA 94121, United States of America.
We have been informed that this sign or monument is no longer there and will not be replaced. This page is an archival view of what was.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location. The Golden Gate (here, next to this marker); Port of San Francisco (here, next to this marker); Navigating the Golden Gate (a few steps from this marker); Lands End (within shouting distance of this marker); Death of a Sailor (within shouting distance of this marker); The Honored Dead (within shouting distance of this marker); This Memorial to Rear Admiral Daniel J. Callaghan (within shouting distance of this marker); FDR's Salute (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in San Francisco.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on October 25, 2011, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland. This page has been viewed 1,068 times since then and 57 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on November 2, 2011, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland. 2, 3, 4. submitted on October 11, 2012. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.