Dedicated April 23, 2005
MartinezBy James Stretestky · Julian M. Frazer · Martinez Historical Society · Mayor Rob & Carole Schroder · Supervisor Gayle B. Uilkema · Vice Mayor Mark & Dianne Ross · Tesoro's Golden Eagle Refinery · Bart, Jane, Pete, Paul · Pat & Pam Bisio · Pony Express Trail Association
Sponsors: Wells Fargo Since 1852 · Ray & Denis Fowler · Haute Stuff Restaurant · Robert & Susan Chandler · A.T. Bray Family · Thomas & Catherine Greerty · Romeo Family · McMahon-Telfer Properties · Redmond O'Colonies "American Champion Town Crier" · Betty J. Maffei · Contra Costa History Center
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Captain Oliver C. Coffin and his brothers ordered the ferry "Carquinez" from an eastern shipyard where it was framed and fitted. The double-end dual paddle wheel was modeled after the New York-Brooklyn ferryboats.
It was dismantled and then shipped around Cape Horn as balast in the hold of a sailing ship. It was then reassembled and in 1854 launched. The ferry operated between here and Benicia. At night it docked on the wharf at the foot of Ferry Street, 250 feet north of this site.
Pony Express rider Thomas Bedford boarded the ferry at Benicia on April 23, 1860. On this ferry he found that his horse had thrown a shoe. Casemoro Briones, a Martinez blacksmith, was on board and agreed to loan his horse. Bedford left this wharf for San Francisco at 7:33 A.M.
? 2005 Joe Nardone
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Trebino Family · Greg & Karen Del Bonta Family · Westamerica Bank · Martinez Jewelry Center · Tom (XPTOM) Crews · Carl & Joanne Dunivan · Carlo's Shoe Repair · Washington Mutual · Telfer Oil Company · Ray Pallota · Jim & Merlyne Means · Ray's Lounge · Reed's Cameras and Imaging · US Bank
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