04/12/2026
In 1872, John P. Stearns opened a link to the outside world when he completed his 2000-foot wharf. For the first time in Santa Barbara's history, large ships could tie up and unload their cargo.
One of the most famous cargo steamers at the turn of the century was the State of California. Operated by the Pacific Coast Steamship Company, the steamer linked Santa Barbara's growing agricultural economy with other California cities. Santa Barbara's most popular crops - lemons, walnuts, and lima beans - were regularly shipped to the State of California's home port of San Francisco.
Enjoy this image of the State of California steamer docked at Stearns Wharf, taken by Norman H. Reed, c. 1910. Image from the Museum's Gledhill Glass Plate Collection (1965.232.1289)
Explore more highlights from this collection by clicking the link here: https://sbhistorical.pastperfectonline.com/