Ever heard of the remarkable journey of Union Iron Works’ Caisson No. 1 from San Francisco to the Panama Canal? Let’s embark on this captivating voyage with the “Pier 70 Time Machine.”
On August 22, 1913, Union Iron Works secured a $330,760 contract for a caisson. This lock gate, was essential for the maintenance and repair work at the Miraflores Locks as it allows operations to continue behind it. Fast forward to July 25, 1914, when Caisson No. 1 was launched at Pier 70, from what is now known as Crane Cove Park.
Steam tug “Hercules”, San Francisco Maritime Natl Hist Park
On September 16, 1914, at 11 AM, Caisson No. 1 embarked on its journey from San Francisco to Balboa, Panama, towed by the tug Hercules. After an eventful voyage, it arrived at Balboa on a Thursday in October 1914 to begin her mission.
Caisson No. 1 fit in all the Panama Canal’s openings and it was nearly 114 feet long, 36 feet wide and 65 feet high.