Alma (tugboat)

The Alma is a wooden-hulled, steam-powered tugboat that operated in the San Francisco Bay area of California. Built in 1892, she is one of the last surviving examples of a once-common type of vessel that played a vital role in the region's maritime history, particularly in the transportation of freight and supplies to and from coastal communities.

Initially used to haul barges carrying goods and passengers, the Alma saw service under several different owners and adapted to changing economic needs. She transitioned from general freight towing to specialized tasks like transporting hay and servicing oyster beds.

The Alma's design is representative of late 19th-century tugboats, featuring a strong wooden hull, a steam engine for propulsion, and a working deck equipped for towing operations. Her steam engine, while requiring significant maintenance, provided the necessary power for maneuvering large barges and ships.

Today, the Alma is preserved as a National Historic Landmark and is part of the collection of the Hyde Street Pier, a unit of the San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park. She is maintained in operational condition, allowing visitors to experience a tangible link to the era of steam-powered maritime transportation on the West Coast. Educational programs and occasional demonstrations aboard the Alma help to illustrate the historical significance of tugboats and their contribution to the development of the San Francisco Bay area. Her continued preservation ensures that future generations can appreciate the craftsmanship and function of these important vessels.