Folder: S.F. Ships-Ferryboats-Solano.
Newscopy: "Suggested caption material from Southern Pacific News Bureau--Train transfer ferry 'Solano" began operation from Port Costa to Benicia December 28, 1879, hauling passenger and freight trains as a new link in the railroad's line between Oakland Pier and Sacramento. It suplanted the original CP line through Stockton and Niles Canyon as the main line for transcontinental trains. Picture was taken in 1880 from the Port Costa side looking toward Benicia. The Solano and later the Contra Costa were the largest ferry boats in the world. The train transfer service was abandoned after SP opened its Martinez Benicia bridge over Suisun Bay October 15, 1930. (Southern Pacific Photo)"
Newscopy on duplicate: "INAUGURATION of the Port Costa-Benicia ferry in 1879 brought Sacramento closer to San Francisco. Ferry Solano could ferry two locomotives and 24 passenger cars a trip. June 17, 1961."
Written on front: "The C.P. Ferry Boat "Solano" discharging at the Port Costa Slip. Watkins' new cabinet series. Yosemite and Pacific Coast, 427 Montgomery St. San Francisco."