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The San Francisco Ghost Fleet
Yerba
Buena Cove, 1851
In 1848 gold was discovered at Sutters Mill
setting off a frenzy of activity as men of all descriptions
tried to get to California to file their claim. From all corners
of the world ships were filled with men desperate to make
their fortunes. When the ships reached San Francisco - passengers,
crew and officers were over the side before the anchor could
bite the bottom mud.
The abandoned ships just rotted in place,
although some attempts were made to keep them afloat by a
few caretakers. As the years passed, the city of San Francisco
expanded and the abandoned ships were converted into stores
and hotels as piers sprung up all around the Ghost Fleet.
Landfill was dumped around and inside the ships to support
more business growth, creating much of the level land of present
day San Francisco.
18 x 24 in. original oil painting on
board
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