Pebble Beach in Monterey County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Rocks and fog spell disaster
Photographed by Don Morfe, September 27, 2007
1. Rocks and fog spell disaster Marker
Dense fog, dark night, jagged rocks and bounding surf have always made navigating these waters difficult. On a foggy night in 1896, the iron-hulled St. Paul slammed in the submerged rocks. The crew and livestock cargo were rescued immediately. After three months on the rocks, the St. Paul sank.
Ten years later the Celia, streaming from Santa Cruz to Monterey, became lost in the fog and hit these rocks. Her crew and passengers escaped, but the cargo of lumber spilled into the sea. Today, accurate nautical charts and electronic navigation equipment help captains avoid disaster. (Inscription under the image in the upper left) Fog blankets the coastline, especially during summer. (Inscription under the image in the center) St. Paul shipwreck, 1896. (Inscription under the image in the upper right) Celia shipwreck, 1906. (Inscription under the image in the lower right) Radar, one of todays technologies helps prevent shipwrecks.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Disasters • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1896.
Location. 36° 35.494′ N, 121° 57.859′ W. Marker is in Pebble Beach, California, in Monterey County. It can be reached from Bird Rock Road near 17 Mile Drive. Marker is located at the Bird
this page online
Regionally, this marker is on Central Coast and specifically on the Coast Ranges. 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 Mexicos Alta California.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Bird Rock (here, next to this marker); China Rock (approx. one mile away); Crocker Grove (approx. 1.1 miles away); Monterey cypress, naturally (approx. 1.1 miles away); Cypress Point Lookout (approx. 1.2 miles away); Point Joe (approx. 1.3 miles away); Pebble Beach Golf Links (approx. 1.7 miles away); Betty Jameson (approx. 1.7 miles away).
Another marker is no longer nearby. Lone Cypress (was approx. 1½ miles away but has been confirmed missing).
Regarding Rocks and fog spell disaster. Marker is only accessible on the 17-Mile Drive, which charges a toll for visitors/non-residents. The road is a scenic route located in Pebble Beach and Pacific Grove, along with five primary entrances. There are 15 notable stops that people are encouraged to visit while driving on it.
Photographed by Don Morfe, September 27, 2007
2. Seal and birds on the rocks
Photographed by Don Morfe, September 27, 2007
3. Seals on the rocks
Photographed by Don Morfe, September 27, 2007
4. Seal on the rocks
Photographed by Don Morfe, September 27, 2007
5. Seal on the rocks
Photographed by Don Morfe, September 27, 2007
6. Please respect the harbor seals marker
Photographed by Jason Voigt, March 27, 2026
7. Rocks and fog spell disaster Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on April 4, 2026. It was originally submitted on February 8, 2016, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. This page has been viewed 530 times since then and 13 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on February 8, 2016, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. 7. submitted on April 4, 2026, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.
