Two Long-Serving San Diego Bay Ferries Added To National Register Of Historic Places
Two long-operating passenger ferries on San Diego Bay have been added to the National Register of Historic Places, recognising their importance in the city’s maritime history.
The Silvergate, built in 1940, and the Cabrillo, built in 1964, received the designation from the US Department of the Interior.
Both vessels are owned and operated by Flagship Cruises & Events and continue to carry passengers on regular ferry routes and bay tours. They are commonly seen docked between Broadway Pier and Navy Pier.
Flagship Cruises & Events stated that the recognition highlights the ferries’ continued operation and historical value.
The company also marked the designation by adding a commemorative plaque to the Cabrillo.
The Silvergate was originally built to transport passengers between San Diego and Coronado, mainly to handle increased travel to Naval Station North Island just before the United States entered World War II.
After the San Diego–Coronado Bay Bridge opened in 1969, ferry travel declined and the vessel was mainly used for harbour cruises and educational programmes, as ferry services were restricted near toll crossings.
In 1987, after the bridge construction bonds were paid off, the Silvergate returned to ferry service.
The vessel is 65 feet long, can carry 219 passengers, and was named after an earlier ferry built in 1888.
It was recognised for its role in wartime maritime transport and for its contribution to San Diego’s post-war recreation industry.
The Cabrillo was designed by naval architect Oakley J. Hall and built by the Star & Crescent Boat Company specifically for passenger service.
Measuring 85 feet and carrying up to 261 guests, it was historically used as an excursion ferry during San Diego’s post-war maritime recreation boom.
According to Flagship Cruises & Events, the Cabrillo has been recognised under National Register Criterion A, with a period of significance from 1964 to 1968, and under Criterion B for its association with Hall, who is regarded by the San Diego Historical Resources Board as a locally significant individual.
The National Register of Historic Places is the US government’s official list of buildings, sites, objects and vessels considered worthy of preservation.
Other San Diego County entries include Cabrillo National Monument, Chicano Park, the Gaslamp Quarter Historic District, and the ferry Berkeley, which joined the Maritime Museum of San Diego in 1973.
References: timesofsandiego, fox5sandiego
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