The Prison Ship Euphemia
A small two-masted brig, the Euphemia was about ninety feet long and was registered at 137 tons. The Euphemia was berthed next to the Central Wharf and converted into a prison ship.
Ships converted into buildings played an important role in Gold Rush San Francisco. In addition to the prison ship, there was a ship converted into a church, and other vessels such as the famous Niantic and Apollo, had been converted into warehouses, hotels and offices.
The prisoners on board the Euphemia earned their keep by toiling at public works while on a chain-gang. During the day they would labor on shore and return at night to the ship. Conditions on board were undoubtedly less than desirable.
http://www.foundsf.org/index.php?title=The_Prison_Ship_%27Euphemia%27
The prisoners on board the Euphemia earned their keep by toiling at public works while on a chain-gang. During the day they would labor on shore and return at night to the ship. Conditions on board were undoubtedly less than desirable.
http://www.foundsf.org/index.php?title=The_Prison_Ship_%27Euphemia%27