Very Important Passengers

Theodore Judah

Left New York on theآ SS Northern Light, April 6, 1854; Arrived on the SS Pacific, May 4, 1854

Theodore D. Judah arrived in San Francisco with his wife, child and servant on board theآ SS Pacific. Traveling with them were Miss H. B. Judah and Mrs. M. J. Judah.

The promoters of the Sacramento Valley Rail Road brought Theodore D. Judah to California from New York. The SVRR finished, he surveyed a route over the Sierra Nevada and founded the Central Pacific Railroad Company withآ "The Big Four."

October 24, 1861,آ Sacramento Daily Union, Sacramento, California

Nevada Territorial Legislature Railroad Enterprise

Carson City, October 23d.

. . . Hannah introduced an Act granting certain persons the right to construct a railroad across the Territory. The corporators are Governor Stanford, Charles Crocker, L. A. Booth, C. P. Huntington, Mark Hopkins, Theodore D. Judah and James Bailey. It grants an elusive privilege of fifty years no other road to run within five miles. It runs from the western boundary intersecting with the Truckee river, to Big Bend from that river, thence to the eastern boundary of the Territory. Rates were suspended and the bill read twice and referred.

Judah organized the railroad and earned the title "Father of the Transcontinental," but he died November 2 1863, so he never saw the beginnings of the laying of the track. Judah Street in San Francisco's Sunset District was named after Theodore D. Judah.

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The Annals of San Francisco 
Frank Soule, John H. Gihon, Jim Nisbet. 1855
Written by three journalists who were witnesses to and participants in the extraordinary events they describe. Theآ Annals of San Franciscoآ is both an essential record for historians and a fascinating narrative for general readers. Over 100 historical engravings are included. Partial Contents: Expeditions of Viscaino; Conduct of the Fathers towards the natives; Pious Fund of California; Colonel John C. Fremont; Insurrection of the Californians; Description of the Golden Gate; The Presidio of San Francisco; Removal of the Hudson's Bay Company; Resolutions concerning gambling; General Effects of the Gold Discoveries; Third Great Fire; Immigration diminished; The Chinese in California; Clipper Ships; Increase of population; and Commercial depression.

San Francisco, You're History!
Politicians, Proselytizers, Paramours, and Performers Who Helped Create California's Wildest City
J. Kingston Pierce
Seattle-based freelance writer Pierce presents a fascinating view of a variety of colorful people and events that have molded the unique environment of San Francisco. He chronicles historical highlights along with a focus on current issues. Pierce touches on the gold rush, earthquakes, and fires and introduces the lives of politicians, millionaires, criminals, and eccentrics. Pierce sparks the imagination in relating the stories of yesterday to today.

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The Naval Order of the United States has a history dating from 1890. Membership includes a wide range of individuals, many with highly distinguished career paths. When it was established, the Founders provided "that any male person above the age of eighteen years who either served himself, was still presently serving, or was descended from an officer or enlisted man who served in any of the wars which the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, or Revenue or Privateer services was engaged was eligible for Regular membership." Today, the Order is a "by invitation only" society, and includes men and women who have served or who assist in accomplishing its Mission, including research and writing on naval and maritime subjects.

The San Francisco Commandery meets the first Monday of each month in San Francisco, California and holds two formal dinners each year: