Eastern Terminus of Clay Street Hill Railroad

The date on this bronze is the date the city required, not quite the date the car ran. Hallidie's franchise obliged the Clay Street line to be running by 1 August 1873. Most accounts, the city transit agency's among them, put the first trip at four in the morning of 2 August, a day late, and in some tellings Hallidie took the grip himself after the man hired for it looked down the hill and declined. An 1895 trade retrospective says 1 August. Paying passengers boarded on 1 September.

What the plaque says

Andrew Smith Hallidie Site of eastern terminus first street cars in world propelled by cable Commenced operation August 1, 1873. Ceased February 15, 1942 Invented and installed by Andrew S. Hallidie, born London, England March 16, 1836. Died San Francisco, April 24, 1900 Pioneer manufacturer of wire cables, regent University of California, twice member board of freeholders for drafting proposed city charter, served on first board of trustees, 1878 of the San Francisco Public Library Registered State Landmark No. 500 Tablet placed by California State Park Commission Base furnished by friends of Andrew S. Hallidie

Where it stands

More markers nearby

• Portsmouth Plaza — steps away
• First Public School — steps away
• Site of the Jenny Lind Theatre and San Francisco City Hall — steps away
• Office of the California Star Newspaper — steps away