From SFWiki

Andrew Smith Hallidie (16 March 1836 – 24 April 1900) invented the Cable Cars. Born in the United Kingdom, his father was an inventor and held several patents including a way to manufacture wire rope. After attempting to strike it rich in the Gold Rush the elder Hallidie returned to England, while Andrew remained and became a gold miner.

He began manufacturing wire rope for use in mining when ordinary rope proved it could not handle the wear-and-tear of pulling cars of rock in and out of mines. In 1869 he witnessed an accident from his Clay Street home in which a team of horses pulling an overloaded streetcar up the steep hill gave out.

The Clay Street Cable Car Line opened four years later.

Further Information

• Andrew Smith Hallidie - Father of the Cable Car (Sparkletack Episode No. 33)