RALPH J. SCOTT
Also known as: Fireboat RALPH J. SCOTT; ex-L.A. CITY NO. 2
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Why it's listed
Ralph J. Scott is a 99-foot steel fireboat launched in 1925 as L.A. City No. 2 and still working from Fire Station 112 at Berth 85 in San Pedro. Built by the Los Angeles Shipbuilding and Drydock Corporation, it was designed with seven gasoline engines, three propellers and six bronze Byron Jackson pumps, which remain in service. Over the decades it received new engines, hydraulic monitors, thrusters and, in the 1970s, diesel power, yet its hull, deck layout and original pumping plant survive. It is the fourth oldest fireboat remaining in the United States and one of two surviving examples of the 1920s high-speed, shallow-draft type that keep a high level of integrity. Its service in the nation's second largest port includes the 1947 Markay tanker explosion and the 1976 Sansinena fire, and it is regarded as one of the country's most famous fireboats.
Significance in brief: It is the fourth oldest fireboat remaining in the United States and one of only two surviving high-speed, shallow-draft 1920s fireboats that retain a high level of integrity. It has fought major waterfront fires in the port of Los Angeles, including the 1947 Markay tanker disaster and the 1976 Sansinena fire. It is also among the nation's best-known fireboats.
Machine-generated summary. This summary was generated by a language model from the official nomination document and has not been reviewed line by line by an editor. It may contain errors. Check the source document before relying on any detail. Source: nomination document (PDF) · National Archives catalog entry. NRHP reference 89001430, listed June 30, 1989. Summary generated October 2026 (model claude-sonnet-5-5, prompt v1.0-2026-10-29, confidence medium).
Key facts
| Address | Berth 85, San Pedro |
|---|---|
| County | Los Angeles County |
| Listed | June 30, 1989 |
| Reference number | 89001430 |
| Resource type | Structure |
| Period of significance | 1925-1975 |
| Architect / builder | L.A. Shipbuilding & Drydock Corporation |
| Architectural style | Architecture (Naval) |
| Areas of significance | Politics/Government, Architecture |
| Level of significance | National |
| National Historic Landmark | Yes, designated June 30, 1989 |
| Status (as stated in the nomination) | Operating fireboat in active service since 1925, described as in excellent condition. |
| Acreage | 0.1 |
| Coordinates | 33.74128, -118.27898 (NPS GIS) |
What listing means for this property
National Register listing is honorary: it recognises significance and does not restrict what a private owner may do without federal money or permits. It unlocks the 20% federal rehabilitation tax credit for income-producing buildings, state credits in many states, and Section 106 review when federal agencies are involved. See what listing means in practice.
General information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change; confirm with your State Historic Preservation Office or a qualified adviser.
Sources and further reading
- National Park Service, National Register of Historic Places database (snapshot May 2026), reference 89001430.
- Nomination form (PDF, National Archives) — catalog entry
- Wikipedia article (used for cross-checking only; text not reproduced here)
- Wikidata Q3418269
- This listing as JSON
Last updated October 2026. Found an error? See the editorial policy for how to report it.