San Francisco Belt Railroad facts for kids
The San Francisco Belt Railroad was a special railway line that ran along the Embarcadero in San Francisco, California. It started in 1889 as the State Belt Railroad. Later, in 1969, the city of San Francisco bought the Port of San Francisco, and the railway was renamed the San Francisco Belt Railroad. This railway stopped running in 1993.
The railroad's main job was to connect the Port of San Francisco to many docks and nearby businesses and warehouses. It helped move railroad cars from four big railroads to different spots along its own tracks. At its busiest, it had 67 miles (108 km) of track! Its main offices were in the famous Ferry Building.
At the southern part of the line, a track ran along King Street, near where Oracle Park is today. This track connected with the Southern Pacific railway. Today, the San Francisco Municipal Railway's "E" Embarcadero line uses this same path. The Belt Railroad also had a special train ferry slip at Pier 43. This allowed it to connect with trains from the Northwestern Pacific, the Western Pacific, and the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe railroads.
To reach its northern end in the Presidio, the railway passed through popular areas like Fisherman's Wharf, Aquatic Park, and the Fort Mason Tunnel. The San Francisco Bay Railroad now operates a small part of the original track, about five miles, since 2000.
The old building where the trains were kept and repaired, called a roundhouse, has been changed into businesses. However, you can still recognize it in the area near Sansome Street and Lombard Street.
Contents
What Kinds of Trains Did the Belt Railroad Use?
The San Francisco Belt Railroad used different types of trains over the years. It had 12 steam locomotives, which are trains powered by steam, and 6 diesel engines, which are powered by diesel fuel.
Famous Trains That Visited the Belt Railroad
The tracks of the San Francisco Belt Railroad were sometimes used by very special and famous trains.
- The First Freedom Train (1948): This train, which carried important historical documents, visited the State Belt Railroad.
- The California Zephyr (1949): This famous passenger train was displayed near the Ferry Building for its very first trip ceremony.
- Maritime Museum Exhibit (1951): For its grand opening, the Maritime Museum brought an old steam locomotive and its cars to the belt line.
- The Flying Scotsman (1971): This famous British steam train finished its American tour by running back and forth on a track near the Embarcadero and Fisherman's Wharf.
- The American Freedom Train (1975): This train, pulled by the impressive Southern Pacific 4449 steam locomotive, came to San Francisco. The Belt Railroad helped move its cars to the Presidio for people to see. The locomotive itself was on display at Aquatic Park.
- The Canadian Pacific Royal Hudson #2860 (1977): This beautiful Canadian train also visited the State Belt while traveling to Los Angeles.
- Railfair ’87 (1987): This event showcased different locomotives, including diesel and steam trains, on the tracks along the Embarcadero.
What Happened to Steam Locomotive Number Four?
One of the old steam locomotives, Number 4, is currently being restored by a group called San Francisco Trains. They have bigger plans to turn the old Bayshore Roundhouse, which used to belong to the Southern Pacific railway, into a historical place for the community. The Roundhouse is so important that it has been added to the National Register of Historic Places.
Images for kids
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To reach its northern terminus in the Presidio, the line passed through Fort Mason Tunnel; 1937.
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At the southern portion of the line, a track along King Street connected with the Southern Pacific
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SF Belt #25 loading TOFC flats on ship, September 1985 photo by Drew Jacksich
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The American Freedom Train locomotive on the line in 1975
