Clinton (steam ferry) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids History |
|
|---|---|
| Name | Clinton |
| Operator |
|
| Route | Creek Route |
| Builder | Domingo Marcucci |
| Completed | 1853 |
| Fate | Sank after collision in 1877 |
| General characteristics | |
| Type | Ferry |
| Tonnage | 194 GRT |
| Length | 120 ft (37 m) |
| Beam | 24 ft (7.3 m) |
| Depth | 7 ft (2.1 m) |
| Installed power | 125 hp (93 kW) low-pressure engine |
| Propulsion | Two sidewheels |
The Clinton was a special ship. It was the very first steam ferry ever built in California. This ferry started its service on San Francisco Bay in the year 1853.
History of the Ferry Clinton
Building a New Ship
The Clinton was built by a person named Domingo Marcucci. He finished building it in early 1853. The ship was made for Charles Minturn, who owned the Conta Costa Steam Navigation Company.
The Clinton was a large boat, weighing 194 tons. It was a side-wheel steamer, which means it had big wheels on its sides to help it move. The ship also had a special part called a walking beam. It was powered by a 125-horsepower engine.
This ferry was about 120 feet (36.6 meters) long. It was 24 feet (7.3 meters) wide. The bottom part of the ship, called the hull, was 7 feet (2.1 meters) deep. It was built very quickly. The ship was ready to be launched just 60 days after its main frame, called the keel, was put down.
Life as a Busy Ferry
The Clinton worked on a route known as the Creek Route. This route connected San Francisco with the eastern side of the bay. It continued on this route until 1865.
In 1865, Charles Minturn sold his share of the Creek Route. He then moved his remaining ships to operate between San Francisco and Marin and Sonoma Counties.
The Final Journey
In 1874, the Clinton was bought by the San Rafael & San Quentin Railroad. It then started a new job, running to San Rafael.
The Clinton's time as a ferry ended in 1877. It sank after crashing into another ship.
