Page 37 - Historical Study of Yerba Buena Island, Treasure Island and Their Buildings

The first wedding to take place on Yerba Buena Island occurred in 1892. The special occasion
was reported in the August 22, 1892 edition of the San Francisco Call:

"Yesterday the first wedding in Goat Island's history united Mr. Charles McCarthy,
lighthouse-keeper at the Oakland mole, and Mrs. Jennie Lewis of this city.

The interesting event took place in the residence of Captain Linne, the station-keeper at
Goat Island, a friend of the parties, at 2:30 o'clock, the ceremony being performed by the
Rev. J. Fuendeling ... "

In 1896, the Navy once again cast an admiring eye at Yerba Buena Island for the possibility of
establishing the West Coast Training Center there. The introduction of the 1902 Y erba Buena
Naval Training Station was described as follows:

"The island's practical isolation and at the same time close proximity to San Francisco
rendered it an ideal spot . . . Climatic conditions were decidedly in favor of the San
Francisco station, for there is no long, dreary winter during which the lads at the station
must be housed within doors. On the other hand, out of the whole 365 days of the year
there is not one in which some out-door work cannot be done. During the summer
months there is the same distinction, the thermometer at this season never running above
70, with cool, refreshing nights, which condition these lads to their best endeavor, and
tends to a rapid physical and mental development ... "

The State of California, willing to transfer the Island to federal control, passed an Act of the
Legislature on March 9, 1897 granting the military possession ofYerba Buena Island which
included the surrounding waters within 300 yards of shore. At the federal level, the Navy had a
champion in Senator Perkins. As the war clouds thickened for the Spanish-American War,
President McKinley signed an executive order on April 12, 1898 which set aside the majority of
Y erba Buena Island for the Navy's sole use. A follow-up order was signed on January 26, 1899.
Although the Army continued to occupy and operate the Torpedo Station, the Navy occupied the
remainder of the island, except for the Lighthouse Reservation. Thusly, the Modem Era of
Y erba Buena Island began.

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1-14 Historical Study ofYerba Buena Island, September 1, 1995
Treasure Island, and their Buildings