Overview

Like the better-known Niantic, the Apollo was an ocean-going vessel that was beached in Gold Rush San Francisco, CA, and repurposed briefly as a building. By 1851, about 800 ships were moored in San Francisco harbor, some of which had been abandoned in the frenzy to reach the gold fields. Some deteriorated in Yerba Buena Cove and sank, and some were beached and stripped. A number of ships were reused as functional buildings like the Niantic and Apollo during 1849-1850 when building materials were scarce and expensive. According to a National Park Service map, the Apollo was sited on Battery Street, midway between Sacramento and Commercial Streets. (See National Park Service.gov, "Buried Ships of San Francisco," accessed 09/03/2025.)

Building History

For a short period between 1849 and 1851, the Apollo occupied both land and water. During high tides in Yerba Buena Cove, its may have floated, but a pier was built from land to reach it. It is not clear whether the ship rested on wooden posts, but it likely was supported by some makeshift foundations. It housed a saloon and perhaps a warehouse for a brief time before burning down in the Fire of 05/03-04/1851.

Demolition

The Apollo burned in the huge fire of 05/03-04/1851 that killed nine people and destroyed three-quarters of San Francisco's business district.

PCAD id: 25838