CC SA-BY Our Oakland
The Blossom Rock Navigation Trees were redwood trees used as navigational tools to help sailing ships entering the Bay avoid “Blossom Rock”, a major hazard to the west of Yerba Buena Island that was submerged about 5 feet underwater. The original trees were logged c. 1851; the current trees are new trees growing out of the stumps.
British sea captain, F.W. Beechey, after a tour of the Pacific Ocean from 1827–8, wrote about “Blossom Rock” and the trees used for ships to steer clear of encountering the rock:
“After passing the fort, a ship may work up for anchorage without apprehension …The only hidden danger is a rock with one fathom on it at low water … between Alcatraz and Yerba Buena Islands. It has seven fathoms alongside it; the lead therefore gives no warning. The marks when on it are, the north end of Yerba Buena Island in one with two trees (nearly the last of the straggling ones) south of Palos Colorados, a wood of pines situated on the top of the hill, over San Antonio, too conspicuous to be overlooked …”2
excerpt from Beechey map 1
The Navigation Trees were designated California Historical Landmark #962 on _______________, 19__?? the plaque says August 23, 1986. I'm guessing that's different from the designation?
Located in the Madrone Picnic Area, Roberts Regional Recreation Area, Redwood Regional Park, 11500 Skyline Boulevard, Oakland.
Links and References
- California Historical Landmark 962 NoeHill Travels in the American West: California
- The 'Grandfather' of Oakland's redwoods SFGate.com August 14, 2006
- Yerba Buena Island on Wikipedia
- The Landmark Trees (PDF)
- Report upon the Removal of Blossom Rock in San Francisco Harbor (1870)
- The Blasting of Blossom Rock The History Guy
