Across the great bay from San Francisco; the city of Alameda evolved into an island hometown of fine Victorian and Craftsman architecture and a port containing a naval air station; shipbuilding center; and the winter home of the long-gone Alaska Packers fleet of "tall ships." But Alameda also was a busy railroad town. In 1864; a passenger railroad with a ferry connection created a commute to San Francisco. In 1869; the city became the first Bay Area terminus of the Transcontinental Railroad. Alameda became an island because a railroad allowed construction crews to dig a tidal canal; separating it from Oakland in 1902. Later generations rode steam; then electric; trains to a grand ferry pier where ornate watercraft guided them the 20 minutes to San Francisco. An auto tube; and later the San Francisco Oakland Bay Bridge; hastened the demise of ferry; then rail; operations before World War II.
#1268817 in eBooks 1998-09-18 1998-09-18File Name: B009A4XHFW
Review
0 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Two StarsBy Brian C. Rexhouse Sr.It was not the original one I saw somewhere else. looked the same.4 of 4 people found the following review helpful. A charming historyBy Matt HetlingWell-done book documenting all of the local flavor that Beacon possesses in its history. The pictures are beautifully presented. and the writing is highly informative (consisting primarily of captions). After having grown up in Beacon. it was both gratifying and a little bittersweet to realize how much I didnt know about my own hometown. For anyone who is familiar with the picturesque Hudson Valley. this book will present a captivating story on how a small American city is born and begins to grow.
