The Comet-1846-First Sail Launch

Twenty Mormon men came up the San Joaquin to this bank in the autumn of 1846 in the launch Comet, sent from San Francisco to plant a farm colony on the Stanislaus, while two others drove oxen and mules overland from Marsh's Landing. The tablet on this Daughters of Utah Pioneers base was stolen along with its neighbor, the 780-7 railroad bronze. This one was recovered, repainted and put back; the railroad plaque is still missing. The ferry it credits to Doak and Bonsell is usually dated 1849, not two years after the landing.

What the plaque says

The Comet-1846-First Sail Launch First known sail launch to ascend San Joaquin River from San Francisco landed here autumn, 1846. Carried 20 Mormon pioneers who founded New Hope agricultural project on Stanislaus. Yoke of oxen and span of mules driven from Marsh's Landing (Antioch) by two men who followed crude map drawn by Merritt the trapper. Two years later Doak and Bonsell operated here the first ferry on San Joaquin River. State Registered Landmark No. 437 Tablet placed by California Centennials Commission. Base furnished by Alameda County camps, Daughters Utah Pioneers. Dedicated October 22, 1949. Rededicated July 27, 1989, by camps of Daughters of Utah Pioneers, San Joaquin & Stanislaus counties. Heritage '76 1776 - 1976 A Bicentennial landmark of the California State Historical Resources Commission

Where it stands

More markers nearby

• First Transcontinental Railroad - Site of Completion of Pacific Railroad — steps away
• California Chicory Works — 5.3 mi
• French Camp — 7.1 mi
• Site of San Joaquin City — 8.4 mi