Frederick Griffing's (ship) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Frederick Griffing's (ship)
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Site of buried ship
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 Location in San Francisco County
Location in California
Location in the United States
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| Nearest city | Levi Plaza, San Francisco, California |
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| Area | 0.1 acres (0.040 ha) |
| Built | 1852 |
| NRHP reference No. | 82002248 |
| Added to NRHP | February 1, 1982 |
The Frederick Griffing's ship is the hidden remains of an old sailing vessel. It lies buried beneath the modern Levi's Plaza in San Francisco, California. This area was once a busy waterfront where Frederick Griffing's wharf stood.
Contents
What is the Frederick Griffing's Ship?
The Frederick Griffing's ship is not a complete ship anymore. It is what's left of a large sailing vessel that was built around 1852. For many years, it lay hidden underground. Experts believe the ship is either the Palmyra or the William Grey. These were both sailing ships from the 1800s.
How Was the Ship Discovered?
The ship's remains were found in 1978. This happened when workers were building Levi's Plaza. Finding an old ship buried under a city street was a big surprise! When something old is found like this, it becomes an archaeological site. This means it's a place where scientists study human history through things left behind.
Why Was the Ship Buried?
San Francisco grew very quickly during the California Gold Rush in the mid-1800s. The city needed more land for buildings and docks. To create this new land, people often filled in parts of San Francisco Bay. They used dirt, rocks, and even old ships! Many ships were abandoned by their crews who rushed off to find gold. These ships were then used as foundations for new land. The Frederick Griffing's ship was likely one of these vessels. It was probably sunk or left in place and then covered over as the city expanded.
What Happened After Its Discovery?
When the ship was found, archaeologists carefully studied it. They learned about how ships were built in the 1800s and what life was like in early San Francisco. Because of its historical importance, the site was added to the National Register of Historic Places on February 1, 1982. This helps protect the site and reminds us of San Francisco's unique past. Today, the ship remains buried beneath Levi's Plaza, a silent reminder of the city's early days.
