Information about the historic ferries of California.
Eureka Ferry National Historic Landmark
The "Eureka" is a historic, wooden hulled ferry
on display at San Francisco's Maritime National
Historic Park. The Eureka was built in 1890.
Robinson's Ferry
Located about 5.6 miles south of the California Gold
Country town of Angel's Camp in Calaveras County.
A historic marker was erected at the site of the
former ferry in 1949 when the site was designated
California State Historic Landmark Number 276.
The inscription on the marker reads:
"In 1848 John W. Robinson and Stephen Mead established
ferry transport for freight, animals and persons across river.
In 1856 Harvey Wood purchased interest and later acquired
property which was maintained by Wood family until 1911.
Charges were 50 cents for each passenger, horse, jenny or
other animal." (note: a jenny is a female donkey and
a jackass is a male donkey).
Parrot's Ferry
Located in Tuolumne county, about five
miles north of the town of Columbia.
A historic marker was erected in 1949 when the site
was designated California State Historic Landmark
Number 438. The enscription on the marker reads
"Site of ferry crossing established 1860 by Thomas H.
Parrott connecting mining towns of Tuttletown and Vallecito.
Ferry in operation until 1903 when first bridge built.
Ferry boat of flat bottom wooden construction propelled
on heavy cables. Cable anchorage in large boulder
Calaveras side of river still visible (1949) at low
water, sandbag dam built to form small lake."
Solano Railroad Ferry Steamer (1878-1930)
Historic California ferry article on the Web site
of the Central Pacific Railroad Photographic History Museum.
See also
More About California Ferries
Transportation in California
California Travel Guide