The years following World War II saw an evolution in the use of Stearns Wharf. Previously, the wharf had served as the city’s primary commercial shipping center as well as the headquarters of the local fishing industry. In the postwar years, recreation and tourism would play an ever more important role.
For the first two and a half years of the war, the wharf was closed to the public and was under the control of the U.S. Navy and then the Coast Guard. The movements of the area fishing fleet were curtailed due to concerns over sabotage and fifth columnists. Initially, boats could not stay out overnight; by 1943, boats were allowed out five nights.
Stearns Wharf was reopened to the public in the spring of 1944. In October 1945, a syndicate that included film actor James Cagney bought the wharf franchise for some $200,000. The group intended to emphasize tourism and recreation over commercial activity.