San Pedro Municipal Ferry Building facts for kids
The San Pedro Municipal Ferry Building is a historic building in San Pedro, Los Angeles, California. It used to be a busy place where ferries picked up and dropped off people and cars. Today, this special building is home to the Los Angeles Maritime Museum, which is a museum all about ships and the sea.
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San Pedro Municipal Ferry Building
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San Pedro Municipal Ferry Building, housing the Los Angeles Maritime Museum.
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 Location in the Los Angeles metropolitan area
Location in California
Location in the United States
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| Location | Sixth Street at Harbor Boulevard, San Pedro, Los Angeles, California |
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| Architect | Derwood Lydell Irvin, B. Irvin, Los Angeles Harbor Department |
| Architectural style | Streamline Moderne |
| NRHP reference No. | 96000392 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | April 12, 1996 |
Contents
A Look Back: The Ferry Building's Story
Building a Landmark: How It Started
The San Pedro Municipal Ferry Building was constructed in 1941. It was part of a big government program called the Works Project Administration (WPA). This program helped create jobs during tough economic times.
The building was designed by an architect named Derwood Lydell Irvin. He worked for the Los Angeles Harbor Department. The style of the building is called Streamline Moderne. This style uses smooth curves and long, horizontal lines, making it look like it's moving fast. A cool feature of the building is its five-story, eight-sided clock tower.
There was also a "sister" ferry terminal built at the same time. It was located across the main channel on Terminal Island. It had a similar design and was also built by the WPA.
Busy Years: Ferries in Action
From 1941 to 1963, this building was a very busy place. It served as a ferry terminal, connecting San Pedro to Terminal Island in the Los Angeles Harbor. Two double-decked ferries, named "Islander" and "Ace," carried many people and cars.
These ferries were important for getting workers to their jobs. They transported thousands of passengers to places like tuna canneries, docks, shipyards, and military bases on Terminal Island.
A New Bridge: The End of Ferry Service
In 1963, a major change happened. The Vincent Thomas Bridge was finished. This new bridge connected mainland San Pedro directly to Terminal Island. It meant people and cars no longer needed a ferry to cross the water.
The ferry service officially stopped on November 14, 1963. The very next day, November 15, the Vincent Thomas Bridge opened to traffic. After the ferries stopped, the San Pedro terminal building was used as an office for the Los Angeles Harbor Department for many years. Sadly, the sister ferry building on Terminal Island was torn down in 1972 to make more space for cargo ships.
From Ferry Terminal to Museum
Saving a Piece of History
As time passed, the old ferry building in San Pedro started to show its age. People in San Pedro wanted to save this important piece of their town's history. They worked hard to get the building recognized as a special landmark.
Their efforts paid off! In 1975, the building was officially named a Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument. This designation helped protect it.
The Los Angeles Maritime Museum Opens
Starting in 1976, the building underwent a big transformation. The outside of the building was carefully restored to its original look. The inside was remodeled to create a new space.
In 1979, the building reopened its doors as the Los Angeles Maritime Museum. Today, it is the largest museum of its kind on the West Coast. It teaches visitors all about the history of ships, sailing, and the sea.
The building's historical importance was recognized again in 1996. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places.
Featured in Film
The San Pedro Municipal Ferry Building has even been a star! Both the outside and inside of the building were shown in a 1947 movie called The Street With No Name.
See also
