This is what Stearns Wharf looks like when it's not on fire.
You can see how the wharf connects directly to State Street which goes straight
back in this view.
Stearns Wharf has had its share of historical events:
- 1872: John P. Stearns builds the wharf. The wharf served as an
important link to the outside world.
- 1878: A storm in January damages the wharf leaving a 155 gap in the
center. Busninessmen went into a mild panic as they realized the
importance of the wharf to the economic health of the city. The
wharf was repaired by July.
- 1925: The wharf is destroyed by a large earthquake.
- 1973: The Harbor restaurant was destroyed by a fire.
- 1975: The deteriorating wharf was condemned and closed.
The city council debated for years whether or not
they should rebuild the wharf.
- 1981: The wharf was eventually rebuilt and reopened. Everything about
the wharf looked new, because it was.
- 1983: The wharf is closed for 3 months due to damage caused by an
El Nino storm.
- November 18, 1998: The wharf caught on fire. One quarter of the wharf
was lost.
- Several days later the wharf is reopened to the public. The burnt out
portion of the wharf has been fenced off. Reconstruction begins.
Come to Stearns Wharf and buy some post cards!
