JSDH article page 165

The first wharf was built by Frank Kimball at the end of 17th Street in 1871, was 24 feet wide with a platform 75 feet wide that could accomodate five ships. The steamship Orizaba, commanded by Henry James Johnston, made the first landing on the wharf Sept. 26, 1871. This wharf collapsed in 1877, and another wharf 500 feet long was built by the Santa Fe Railroad in 1881 until it was dismantled in 1894. After WWI, the Navy expanded along the bay front and built a series of piers for the Naval Repair Base.

National City Bay Front from 24th st. north to 16th St.