Later print from the original negative, (not a digital copy), credited to the “Wells Fargo Bank History Room”.

View shows the Clay Street Hill Railroad (Kearny-Leavenworth-Larkin Branch) ascending the cable car tracks on Clay Street in San Francisco.

The Clay Street Hill Railroad was the first successful cable hauled street railway. It was located on Clay Street, a notably steep street in San Francisco in California, and first operated in August 1873.

The Clay Street line started regular service on September 1, 1873 and was a financial success. In 1888, it was absorbed into the Sacramento-Clay line of the Ferries and Cliff House Railway, and it subsequently became a small part of the San Francisco cable car system. Today none of the original line survives. However grip car 8 from the line has been preserved, and is now displayed in the San Francisco Cable Car Museum.

The railroad was designated as California Historical Landmark #500, with the landmark marker being placed at the site of its eastern terminus near the corner of Clay Street and Kearny.
Photograph measures 5 x 7 inches and is in excellent condition with no bends, tears, or creases and is very sharp and has strong tones with good contrast and clarity.  Back has stamp, “Wells Fargo Bank History Room - San Francisco”.

Please email with any questions and please "VIEW SELLERS OTHER ITEMS". Thanks.