Northern Waterfront in San Francisco City and County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Belt Line Railroad

1889

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, December 16, 2013

1. Belt Line Railroad Marker

Inscription. Construction began in 1889 for San Francisco’s harbor Belt Line Railroad, a terminal switching railroad with locomotives dedicated to moving boxcars and flat cars directly alongside cargo vessels. Opening in 1896 to serve the warehouse and shipping district on the north waterfront, the Belt Line tracks eventually covered 70 miles of the city front – from Islais Creek in the south, running through Fort Mason tunnel, to serve the Presidio in the north. Four tracks, that used half the width of the Embarcadero extended more that a hundred spur tracks out on the piers. It was a marriage of technology between ocean-going vessels and the nation’s railroad system.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Railroads & Streetcars • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1889.

Location. 37° 48.283′ N, 122° 24.189′ W. Marker is in San Francisco, California, in San Francisco City and County. It is in Northern Waterfront. Marker can be reached from the intersection of Sansome Street and The Embarcadero, on the left when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1500 Sansome Street, San Francisco CA 94111, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Down to the Sea in Ships (within shouting distance of this marker); Discarded Treasure (within shouting distance

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of this marker); Francisco Street (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Gold Mountain (about 700 feet away); Barracks/Apartments (about 700 feet away); Staff Housing Area (about 700 feet away); The Dock (about 700 feet away); Warden’s House and Lighthouse (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in San Francisco.

Also see . . . A Brief History of the State Belt Railroad in San Francisco - San Francisco Trains. The State Belt Railroad of California was a shortline that served San Francisco's waterfront until the 1980's. It's tracks extended the length of the Embarcadero from south of Market Street to Fort Mason and the Presidio. Although locals nicknamed the line the Toonerville Trolley and the Wooden Axle Line, the State Belt had an illustrious career. (Submitted on December 20, 2013, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.)

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, December 16, 2013

2. Belt Line Railroad Marker

Belt Line Railroad Roundhouse image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, December 16, 2013

3. Belt Line Railroad Roundhouse

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, December 16, 2013

4. Belt Line Railroad Roundhouse

San Francisco Belt Line Railroad image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Unknown, n/a

5. San Francisco Belt Line Railroad

Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on December 20, 2013, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 561 times since then and 18 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on December 20, 2013, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.