San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park
Historic Ships

The deepwater cargo trade out of San Francisco is represented by the full-rigged ship Balclutha, built to carry California grain to Europe. The C.A. Thayer is a prime example of the sailing vessels employed in the West Coast lumber trade. Steam schooners like the Wapama gradually took over from the sailors in the lumber trade. The tugboat Hercules represents another aspect of coastal trade, towing both sailing vessels and log rafts on long coastal passages. The scow schooner Alma was a workhorse of the inland cargo trade, transporting bulk cargo throughout the Bay and Delta waterways. The ferry Eureka was an inland passenger vessel, transporting both commuters and travelers connecting with the railroad system. The paddle tug Eppleton Hall is not a West Coast vessel, but is certainly a vessel of international importance. Although built in 1914, her side-lever engines are a type developed by the 1850s, and her over-all design reflects this earlier period.

The Park, a unit of the National Park Service, is located at the West end of San Francisco's beautiful waterfront from the Fisherman's Wharf area to lower Fort Mason. The grounds are open seven days a week, year round.

The park includes historic ships at Hyde Street Pier, the Maritime Museum, and the Maritime Museum Library. The Park offers history, music and craft programs for all ages, and provides opportunities for docents, interns and volunteers.

Annually, more than half-a-million people visit the Hyde Street Pier ships and the Museum, hundreds of Bay Area residents learn boat building and thousands of school children participate in overnight programs aboard the schooner C.A. Thayer.