In 1874, Leland Stanford set out to promote the idea of a cable car for California Street, the principle ascent of Nob Hill from the east, with a more reasonable grade than Clay Street. In 1876, in collaboration with several associates in the Central Pacific Railroad, he secured the franchise, and construction was begun on July 5, 1877. The line ran between Kearney Street at the foot of Nob Hill to Fillmore Street in the Western Addition, a distance of about 1.7 miles, and a power house, designed by W.W. Hanscom, was put in at Larkin Street. Initially, the line operated with 25 grip cars and trailers built by the Kimball Manufacturing Company and the Central Pacific shops.

Number of containers: 8 boxes, 9 cartons, 3 oversize boxes, 36 volumes Linear feet: 23

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