History of Ships in San Francisco

In 1850, San Francisco's population surged, largely due to arrivals by sea. Many ships were abandoned in Yerba Buena Cove, some repurposed for storage or as floating hotels, while others were sunk. The cove was later filled in to expand the city, forming the foundation of modern downtown San Francisco. In 2001, the remains of a Gold Rush-era ship, the General Harrison, were discovered during construction, offering a glimpse into the past before being reburied.

What was the primary reason for San Francisco's population increase in 1850?

• Expansion of land

• Industrial development

• Natural birth rate increase

• Arrivals by sea

What was one of the uses for the abandoned ships in Yerba Buena Cove?

• They were used as floating hotels

• They were transformed into museums

• They were converted into schools

• They were turned into fishing boats

What happened to the ships that could not be repurposed in Yerba Buena Cove?

• They were sold to other countries

• They were dismantled for parts

• They were left to drift at sea

• They were sunk in the cove

What was discovered during the 2001 excavation in downtown San Francisco?

• A new gold mine

• The remains of a Gold Rush-era ship

• An ancient burial ground

• A hidden treasure chest

Where did the General Harrison ship originate from before arriving in San Francisco?

• Florida

• Massachusetts

• Virginia

• New York