Oakland Long Wharf - Oakland

Oakland Wharf, Ferry Landing and Freight Shed c.1871 ¹

The Oakland Long Wharf (aka Oakland Pier, aka Oakland Mole, aka Southern Pacific Mole, c.1871–1958), was a ferry-to-train terminal in the middle of the bay. It represented the westernmost terminus of the first transcontinental railroad. It was a solid pier (mole) made from riprap and fill, extending far into the bay and ending in a giant wharf, where Central Pacific Railroad trains (later SP) on the Oakland side exchanged passengers and goods with ferries from San Francisco.

It was first built as far as the passenger ferry slips, but extended twice. The extension was used for freight transfers, but abandoned in 1919 and removed.

ferry building 1875-1896

The Southern Pacific ferryboat San Leandro made a last run on July 31, 1958, ² spelling the end of the primary need for the wharf. The Oakland Long Wharf was ceremonially retired in 1958 and demolished in the 1960s. By then much filled land had been added so the mole was not as long. The rail switching tower was preserved and moved, and houses a small museum at Port View Park.

On April 14, 1981 the Southern Pacific Mole was designated Oakland Landmark #49, under Zoning Case #LM 81-42.

1884 map detail

The train shed and one of the ferry slips appear in the opening credits of the movie Pal Joey (1957) starring Frank Sinatra and Rita Hayworth, signalling Joey's arrival in the Bay Area.