Ferry Slips and Steamships, San Francisco

The ocean side of the Ferry Building had a lot of action in its day.

Remember the fire 5/23/20 on Pier 45? It threatened the Liberty ship, SS Jeremiah O'Brien, which was only slightly damaged.

A steamship, often referred to as a steamer, is a type of steam-powered vessel, typically ocean-faring and seaworthy, that is propelled by one or more steam engines that typically move (turn) propellers or paddlewheels. The first steamships came into practical usage during the early 1800s; however, there were exceptions that came before.