An 1898 Steam Ferryboat from San Francisco Bay
Built in 1898 by Union Iron Works, Berkeley was the first propeller-driven ferry on the West Coast and the largest commuter ferry in the U.S. at the time, carrying up to 1,700 passengers across San Francisco Bay for 60 years. She played a heroic role in the aftermath of the 1906 San Francisco earthquake, ferrying thousands of survivors to safety. Declared a National Historic Landmark in 1990 and a California State Historic Landmark in 2000, Berkeley remains one of the finest examples of a 19th-century ferryboat afloat today.
Acquired by the Maritime Museum of San Diego in 1973, Berkeley serves as the museum’s main hub, housing offices, a maritime research library, a model workshop, a museum store, and event spaces that host weddings, corporate functions, and special gatherings. Visitors can explore her lower deck exhibits, including a fully restored triple-expansion steam engine—once steam-powered, now demonstrated using compressed air. Her upper decks showcase Victorian-era architecture, reflecting the grandeur of her time.
In 2003, Berkeley underwent an innovative hull restoration, expected to preserve her for another 50 years, setting a benchmark for historic ship conservation. Today, she remains a centerpiece of the museum’s collection, offering an immersive look into maritime history and the golden age of steam ferries.
