Lake Washington Ferries: A History of Early Transit
Long before the modern bridges spanned the waters of Lake Washington, a fleet of ferries served as the primary lifeline for commuters and travelers. Starting at the turn of the 20th century, these vessels connected growing communities, facilitating the movement of people and vehicles across the lake and linking urban centers to the rugged landscapes of the Eastside.
The Early Fleet and Mechanical Struggles
The era of organized ferry service on Lake Washington began in 1900 with the King County, a side-wheel ferry. Its tenure was marked by misfortune from the start; during its launch, the vessel became stranded in a mudbank with numerous county officials on board. Due to poor construction and chronic mechanical failures, the boat was condemned by 1908 and subsequently replaced by the Washington.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]
The Rise of Steel-Hulled Propellers
As technology advanced, the Anderson yard at Houghton began producing more durable vessels. They constructed the Lincoln, a steel-hulled propeller ferry weighing 580 tons. Measuring 147.3 feet in length with a 43-foot beam and a 12.6-foot depth of hold, the Lincoln was deployed by King County to service the Madison Park-Kirkland route.
Following the Lincoln, the Anderson yard built the Issaquah, a double-ender steam propeller ferry. A double-ender is a vessel designed to operate equally well in both directions, eliminating the need to turn around. The Issaquah introduced innovative features for its time, including an adjustable loading ramp and upper levels specifically for vehicles. This vessel operated between Leschi Park and Newport, with a stop at Roanoke on Mercer Island. At Newport, the ferry provided a critical link to the new highway leading to Lake Sammamish, Fall City, Issaquah, North Bend, and Snoqualmie Pass.
Public Ownership and the Leschi
In 1913, the Port of Seattle expanded the fleet by building the Leschi. This large steel-hulled sidewheel ferry was a significant leap in performance, capable of reaching speeds of 14 knots. Measuring 169 feet long with a 33-foot beam and an 8.3-foot draft, the Leschi served the route between Leschi Park, Medina, and Bellevue.
The Leschi holds a place in regional history as the first publicly owned ferry in the area. Its arrival created intense competition; Captain Anderson attempted to retain his clientele by offering free service on his boats, the Fortuna and the Atlanta, during the Leschi's launch. However, the combination of public ownership and subsidies from King County and the Port of Seattle eventually made private passenger boat and ferry operations on the lake unprofitable.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]
Legacy and Remnants
Physical traces of this maritime era still exist. The Medina City Hall once served as the Medina ferry terminal. While the dock that extended southward has since been demolished, the site remains a point of historical interest. Notably, an anchor from the Leschi was discovered and salvaged around 1970.
Later additions to the lake's waters included the MV Kirkland, a former Columbia River motor ferry known as the Tourist II, which was repurposed as a tourist boat.
Key Facts
- First Vessel: The King County (1900), a side-wheel ferry condemned in 1908.
- First Public Ferry: The Leschi (1913), owned by the Port of Seattle.
- Innovation: The Issaquah introduced adjustable loading ramps and upper vehicle decks.
- Key Route: The Issaquah connected Leschi Park to the highway leading to Snoqualmie Pass.
- Speed: The Leschi was capable of speeds up to 14 knots.
Vessel Specifications Summary
| Vessel Name | Type | Tonnage | Length | Beam |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lincoln | Steel-hulled Propeller | 580 tons | 147.3' | 43' |
| Issaquah | Double-ender Steam Propeller | 288 tons | 114' | 38' |
| Leschi | Steel-hulled Sidewheel | 433 tons | 169' | 33' |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which was the first publicly owned ferry on Lake Washington?
The Leschi, built by the Port of Seattle in 1913, was the first publicly owned ferry in the region.
What made the Issaquah ferry technologically advanced for its time?
The Issaquah featured an adjustable loading ramp and dedicated upper levels for vehicles above the main deck.
Why did private ferry operations become unprofitable?
Private operations struggled to compete with ferries that were subsidized by King County and the Port of Seattle.
What happened to the King County ferry?
The King County ferry suffered from poor construction and chronic mechanical problems, leading to its condemnation in 1908.
Where can evidence of the Leschi ferry be found today?
An anchor from the Leschi was salvaged around 1970, and the Medina City Hall serves as a reminder of the former Medina ferry terminal.