The early immigrants to Santa Cruz County quickly realized the region was rich in natural resources like redwood trees, lime for cement, and fertile soils, but transportation challenges persisted. Railroads were costly and labor-intensive to build, making shipping a more logical solution for exporting lumber, lime, and agricultural products. The continuous history of constructing and then destroying wharves on Santa Cruz County’s high-energy coastline illustrates these ongoing challenges.
William W. Waddell, a Kentucky migrant, established his lumber mill along Waddell Creek. He initially sought to construct a 1,000-foot wharf but had to abandon the project due to solid rock. Instead, he extended the road to Cove Beach, successfully building a 700-foot wharf which functioned until a storm in January 1865 destroyed it. Waddell’s experience reflects the difficulties faced in maritime infrastructure necessary for resource transportation.
#santa-cruz-county #transportation-challenges #natural-resources #history-of-wharves #william-w-waddell
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