Superb lot of eight (8) stereoviews on original card mounts published by well-known photographer Carleton E. Watkins (1829-1916), showcasing The Cliff House, Fort Point, and The Lancaster in San Francisco, ca. 1864 - 1876. 

Each mounted on publisher’s cardstock mounts (comprising 5 yellow mounts and 3 orange mounts) with view title, series title (Watkins’ Pacific Coast or Watkins’ New Series), Watkins’ publisher imprint, and copyright statement to mount recto. Views include:

1.) 3603 - The Cliff House and Environs, San Francisco. Outdoor albumen stereoview. 

A beautiful seaside view showcasing the original Cliff House prior to any renovations, and the nearby Seal Rocks in the background. A small group of men can be seen overlooking two horse-drawn carriages. ca. 1863 - 1868. 

2.) 777 - At the Cliff House, San Francisco. Outdoor albumen stereoview.

The Cliff House as shown from above on a nearby hilltop, a large American Flag can be seen waving above while a group of people gathers under the large ‘CLIFF HOUSE’ sign on the facade. 

3.) 3602 - The Cliff House and Environs, S.F. Outdoor albumen stereoview.

A striking scene that depicts the Cliff House after its 1868 renovation, which included the addition of a north wing, which was a sort of a “mini-me” version of the original Cliff House, complete with a scaled-down footprint, hipped roof, and widow’s walk. As well as a larger L-shaped west wing, which shows a shift in architectural styles present at the time.   

4.) 778 - At the Cliff House, Seal Rocks, San Francisco. Outdoor albumen stereoview. 

Dramatic seascape view showcasing Seal Rocks, just off of the coast of San Francisco. 

5.) 1609 - Fort Point. Lime Point in the distance. Outdoor albumen stereoview. 

View showcasing two people sitting atop a seaside retaining wall just outside of Fort Point. Fort Point was built between 1853 and 1861 by the U.S. Army Engineers as part of a defense system of forts planned for the protection of San Francisco Bay. 

6.) 781 - At the Cliff House, San Francisco. Outdoor albumen stereoview. 

A view showcasing the west side of the original Cliff House. A group of well-dressed men can be seen standing along the ‘widow's walk’ (viewing platform), with four horse-drawn carriages below. 

7.)  772 - At the Cliff House, San Francisco. Outdoor albumen stereoview. 

The Cliff House as shown on approach from the Point Lobos toll road. Two carriages can be seen approaching an already bustling resort.

8.) 572 - Lancaster, San Francisco. Outdoor albumen stereoview. 

The first Lancaster, as seen off the coast of San Francisco. On 11 November 1864, a covert naval expedition launched from the ship intercepted and captured a group of Confederate officers aboard the passenger steamer Salvador, off the coast of Panama. The officers had intended to seize the vessel on behalf of the Confederate Government and transform it into a commerce raider to intercept Union gold shipments traveling from California.

The original Cliff House, constructed in 1863 by real estate developer Charles C. Butler and State Senator John Buckley, opened as a seaside resort overlooking the Pacific Ocean and Seal Rocks, where sea lions gathered along the rocky coastline. Initially attracting horseback riders, hunters, and picnickers, the establishment grew in popularity following the opening of the Point Lobos toll road in 1864, becoming a favored Sunday destination for San Francisco's affluent residents arriving by carriage. The Cliff House served visitors for more than three decades and was ultimately destroyed by fire on Christmas Day, 1894.

[Stereoview, Stereocard, Carleton Watkins, Carleton E. Watkins, Watkins Pacific Coast, San Francisco, Cliff House, Seal Rocks, Point Lobos, Ocean Beach, Carriages, Horses, Fort Point, Golden Gate, Lime Point, Marin Headlands, Civil War Fortifications, Full-Rigged Ship, Sailing Ship, Maritime, Western Americana, 19th Century Photography]

Very good condition overall. The albumen prints retain rich tones and strong clarity, exhibiting minor edge dusting and faint, uniform age-toning. Mounts remain flat and structurally sound with sharp corners.