Turner/Robertson Shipyard, 1883-1918

The whaler the bronze mentions is older than the shipyard. Stamboul was built in 1843 for the Boston ice trade, whaled out of New Bedford from 1865, and was about to be broken up in 1896 when Matthew Turner bought her as a shear hulk for the yard. Her remains lie offshore, visible at low tide with the ways. Turner moved his yard here from San Francisco in 1882, and the bronze credits him with 228 vessels, 169 launched at Benicia; other counts give 154. James Robertson bought the yard in 1913 and ran it until 1918.

What the plaque says

Turner/Robertson Shipyard 1882 - 1918 In 1882, Matthew Turner of San Francisco relocated his shipyard to Benicia. Turner, the most prodigious shipbuilder in North America, constructed 228 vessels, 169 of which were launched here. In 1913, the shipyard was purchased by James Robertson, who operated it until 1918. The yard's ways, and the whaler Stamboul, used as a shipyard work platform, are visible at low tide. California Registered Historical Landmark No. 973 Plaque placed by the State Department of Parks and Recreation in cooperation with the City of Benicia. August 6, 1987

Where it stands

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