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Transcontinental Train Ferry Dock Site |
The transcontinental train ferries, "Contra Costa" and Solano", were the largest ferries in the world. Solano was 425 feet in length. An average of thirty Southern Pacific trains were ferried across daily. The transcontinental train service began in 1879 between Benicia and Port Costa. Construction was difficult because of the tule sink east of Benicia which eventually necessitated extensive use of pilings. Many Chinese laborers lost their lives during construction of the tracks.
Southern Pacific's car ferry “Solano” carried passenger trains across the Carquinez Straits. Some people confuse car ferries, which carry railroad cars, with auto ferries, which carry automobiles. San Francisco had both. The “Solano” was the largest ferry on the bay. Both ferries carried on until 1930, when a railroad bridge from Benicia to Martinez opened.
| Location | End of First Street Benicia California 94510 |
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