Overview
San Francisco's cable cars are a historic street railway pulled by underground cables. Three lines still run over the city's steep hills.
History
Andrew Hallidie opened the first line, on Clay Street, in 1873. When city leaders proposed scrapping the system in 1947, a campaign led by Friedel Klussmann saved it. The cable cars became a National Historic Landmark in 1964 and were rebuilt in the early 1980s.
Today
San Francisco Muni runs the Powell–Hyde, Powell–Mason and California Street lines, carrying both commuters and tourists.
Compiled October 2026. History is summarized for general interest; check primary sources for research. This landmark is local context, not an employer or job listing.