Living History: Two Flagship Ferries Join the National Register of Historic Places

Flagship Ferry

The Silvergate (1940) and Cabrillo (1964) have been named to the National Register of Historic Places by the U.S. Department of the Interior—and they're still crossing the bay today.

The designation acknowledges the cultural and maritime significance of both local ferries, which have played integral roles in shaping the region's identity—from serving local transportation needs during World War II to becoming icons of San Diego's waterfront experience.

"These ferries are more than boats; they are living history. The Silvergate and Cabrillo have carried millions of passengers across San Diego Bay and have stood as constant witnesses to the city's growth and transformation," said Brad Engel, President of Flagship Cruises & Events.

Best of all, these aren't museum pieces behind velvet ropes. They're ferries you can board right now.

A Legacy Preserved

The National Register of Historic Places is the federal government's official list of buildings, districts, objects, and sites deemed worthy of preservation. Only places with demonstrated historical, architectural, or cultural significance make the list.

In San Diego County, that includes landmarks like Cabrillo National Monument, Chicano Park, Hotel Del Coronado and the Gaslamp Quarter Historic District. The Silvergate and Cabrillo now stand alongside them as stewards of our history.

The Silvergate

Fast Facts:

  • Built: 1940
  • Status: Longest-running wooden ferry in the United States
  • Recognition: National Register Criterion A (WWII maritime transportation + post-war recreation)

The Silvergate was built just before the United States entered World War II. When Naval Station North Island saw a massive influx of workers and military personnel, the Silvergate served the commute between San Diego and Coronado—thousands of passengers daily during wartime.

After the San Diego-Coronado Bay Bridge opened in 1969, ferry service was banned within a 10-mile radius of the toll crossing. The Silvergate shifted to harbor excursions and educational programming.

In 1987, bridge construction bonds were paid off. Silvergate resumed ferry service and has been crossing the bay ever since.

The Cabrillo

Fast Facts:

  • Built: 1964
  • Designer: Naval architect Oakley J. Hall
  • Recognition: National Register Criterion A (1964-1968 historical significance) + Criterion B (association with designer Hall)

The Cabrillo was designed and constructed in 1964 by the Star & Crescent Boat Company. Renowned naval architect Oakley J. Hall designed the vessel specifically for passenger service on San Diego Bay, and it continues to operate today with much of its original charm preserved.

The Cabrillo served during the post-war maritime recreation boom—when San Diego was rediscovering its waterfront and ferries became as much about enjoyment as transportation. That duality still defines it: infrastructure and celebration at once.

The National Register recognizes the Cabrillo under Criterion A for its historical significance from 1964-1968, and also under Criterion B for its association with Hall, established by the San Diego Historical Resources Board as a locally significant individual.

The Long View

From a wooden ferry in 1940 to a zero-emission ferry in 2026, the mission hasn't changed: connect people across the bay, make the journey worth taking.

"These vessels represent an irreplaceable part of our maritime heritage, serving as reminders of an era when ferries were the primary way of connecting people, commerce, and culture across San Diego Bay. The preservation of these two ferries will ensure that future generations can appreciate the craftsmanship, innovation, and civic importance that these boats embody," said Vickie Stone, Curator of Collections at the Coronado Historical Association.

Step Aboard History

When was the last time you rode the ferry? Fifteen minutes on the water. Connecting Downtown San Diego to the Coronado Ferry Landing. Skyline views, the bridge, the bay. Still doing exactly what they were built to do, better than ever.

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