Apollo (storeship) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Apollo (storeship)
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 Location in San Francisco County
Location in California
Location in the United States
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| Location | NW corner of Sacramento and Battery Sts., San Francisco, California |
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| Area | 0.1 acres (0.040 ha) |
| NRHP reference No. | 91000561 |
| Added to NRHP | May 16, 1991 |
The Apollo was a historic storeship (a ship that carried supplies). It is now buried deep underground in downtown San Francisco, California. This ship is a special archaeological site, meaning it's a place where old things from the past can be found and studied.
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The Buried Ship Apollo
The Apollo is a very old ship that lies hidden beneath the streets of San Francisco. It was once a busy vessel, but over time, the city grew around and over it. Today, it is an important part of San Francisco's history.
What Was a Storeship?
A storeship was a type of ship used to carry and store supplies. These supplies could include food, water, tools, or other goods needed for long journeys or for people living in new settlements. The Apollo would have been vital for bringing goods to early San Francisco.
Why Is the Apollo Buried?
In the mid-1800s, San Francisco was growing very fast, especially during the California Gold Rush. People needed more land to build on. Instead of moving ships that were no longer in use, they often filled in parts of the bay around them with dirt and rubble. This created new land for buildings, and many old ships, like the Apollo, ended up buried underground.
Uncovering History: What Was Found?
Parts of the Apollo have been found and studied over the years. The most recent discoveries happened in 1921 and 1925. During these times, workers digging in the area found pieces of the ship.
The 1925 digging was especially exciting. Here is what they found:
- Old coins from 1797, 1825, and 1840.
- A real gold nugget, which was a big deal during the Gold Rush era.
- Different tools and pieces used for navigating a ship.
These items help us learn about what life was like on the ship and in San Francisco long ago.
A National Treasure
Because of its historical importance, the Apollo was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1991. This is a special list of places in the United States that are important to the country's history. Being on this list means the Apollo is recognized as a valuable archaeological site that can teach us more about the past.
