Sierra Nevada (ferry) facts for kids
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|} The Sierra Nevada was a strong ferry boat made of steel. It was powered by steam and carried people and cars across San Francisco Bay. This ferry was built in 1913 for the Western Pacific Railroad. It was first named Edward T. Jeffery, then later Feather River.
The ferry helped train passengers from Western Pacific get to San Francisco from Oakland, California. In May 1933, the ferry was sold to the Southern Pacific Transportation Company. This happened when Western Pacific started using Southern Pacific's ferry docks in Oakland.
Southern Pacific renamed the ferry Sierra Nevada. It then carried daily commuters between San Francisco and Alameda, California. This route stopped in 1939.
Contents
| History | |
|---|---|
| Name |
|
| Owner |
|
| Operator |
|
| Port of registry | San Francisco,  USA |
| Builder | Moore and Scott Iron Works, Oakland, CA |
| Cost | $300,000 |
| Completed | Built: 19 July 1913 |
| In service | 1913 |
| Out of service | 1 September 1956 |
| Identification | Official Number: 211506 |
| General characteristics | |
| Class and type | auto/passenger ferry |
| Tonnage | 1578 |
| Displacement | 1025 |
| Length | 218 ft (66 m) |
| Beam | 42 ft (13 m) |
| Depth | 16.6 ft (5 m) |
| Installed power | Total 2,500 hp from 4 water tube boilers |
| Propulsion | single screw powered by two 2-cyl compound steam engines |
| Crew | 20 |
A Ferry's Journey: From Commuters to War Work
Serving the Golden Gate International Exposition
From 1939 to 1940, the Sierra Nevada was leased to the Key System. It helped transport visitors to the Golden Gate International Exposition. This big event was held on Treasure Island.
Helping During World War II
In 1942, the United States government needed the ferry. It was used to carry shipyard workers during World War II. These workers traveled from San Francisco to Richmond Yard 1. This was a very important job during the war.
Final Years and Fate
Carrying Cars Across the Bay
After the war, in 1947, the Richmond-San Rafael Ferry Company bought the Sierra Nevada. They rebuilt it so it could carry cars. The ferry then transported vehicles between Richmond and San Rafael.
The End of an Era
The Sierra Nevada's service ended on September 1, 1956. This was the day the Richmond–San Rafael Bridge opened. The bridge made the ferry route no longer needed. The ferry was then towed to San Pedro, Los Angeles. Sadly, it sank there in 1978.
What Happened to the Shipwreck?
In 1980, the U.S. Corps of Engineers looked at the sunken ship. They found that its engine system was special enough to be listed as a historic place. However, the ship was later destroyed by dredging. Its engine system was then sold for scrap metal.
