Crossing Puget Sound: From Black Ball Steamer to Washington State Ferries

by Steven J. Pickens

For over a century, water has connected the communities on Puget Sound, starting with days of the iron-hulled steamers of the Black Ball Line and continuing to the vessels of Washington State Ferries. Puget Sound continues to be a vital link between cities, well into the era of smart phones and self-driving cars. From the recycled ferries of San Francisco Bay to the elegant pocket liners of the Canadian Pacific Railway, transporting people from one isolated community to another has grown to carrying 25 million commuters and tourists every year.

Modern ferry travel on Puget Sound begins with the converted passenger steamers at the early part of the twentieth century. Built in the days before cars became the main mode of travel, these small steamers morphed into the blueprint of today's largest double-ended ferries in the United States.

Ferry travel today is as scenic as in the days of Model Ts and steamships. Puget Sound remains a nautical highway as much now as it was in the era of high button shoes and derby hats.

144 pages, Paperback

Published September 30, 2019

Reviews

[Joe · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fine paperback introduction to the history of Washington State Ferries. As much as the photography is outstanding and the histories are acute and well-written, the absence of Kitsap Transit's ferries is a bit sad. There is no in-depth history though, that is for other books. So if you are a tourist or just want a book abut the ferries of Washington State - get this paperback book.