In August 1859 , Gale received a permit to run a ferry over the Kern River ( at Gordon 's Ferry , Tulare County ) . Located on the main stage route from Los Angeles to San Francisco , this venture was potentially profitable . However , Gale 's business activities were badly damaged with the demise of the Butterfield Overland Mail service in March 1861 and the closing of Fort Tejon in June 1861 . In January 1862 , a record flood washed away the ferry , stage station , and much of the road connecting San Francisco with Los Angeles . Gale abandoned the ferry and moved to Walla Walla
a record flood
Great Flood of 1862
Joseph Gale