San Francisco

WHEN

Years founded/incorporated:

San Francisco: 1776 and was incorporated in 1850.

The area of San Francisco was first settled by the Spanish in the late 1700s. Many people traveled to the San Francisco area in 1849, when the California Gold Rush gave people the hope of striking it rich!

WHERE

Where in California is it located?

San Francisco, city and port, coextensive with San Francisco county, northern California, U.S., located on a peninsula between the Pacific Ocean and San Francisco Bay.

Who were the original tribal land inhabitants on which it was built?

The original people of what is now San Francisco County were called the Yelamu, which is a local tribe within Ramaytush Ohlone territory. The southern boundary of their tribal territory was consistent with the current San Francisco/San Mateo county line.

WHO

Who were the historical people that discovered/established this city and where were they from?

Lieutenant Don Jose Joaquin Moraga and Father Palou from Mexican decent, led the colonists to the San Francisco Peninsula in June of 1776. Construction of both the presidio and mission began in July. On October 9, 1776, Father Serra, head of the California missions, officially dedicated Mission San Francisco de Assisi, more commonly known as Mission Dolores, in honor of Saint Francis of Assisi, founder of the Franciscan order.

HOW

How did this city come together?

Lieutenant Moraga and Father Palou led the colonists to the San Francisco Peninsula in June of 1776. On June 29, 1776, the settlers celebrated a mass at la Laguna de los Dolores. This celebration, held just five days before the Declaration of Independence, is regarded as the official founding of San Francisco.

How did the city of San Francisco change the shape and impact the State of California?

It is a cultural and financial center of the western United States and one of the country’s most cosmopolitan cities. It is still a great port, the financial and administrative capital of the West, and a substantial center for commerce and manufacturing. It’s a home to several smaller technology companies and start-ups. Another large portion of the city’s employed work in the area of finance. Other leading areas of employment include business services (personnel supply, building maintenance, security, computers and data processing, and advertising), retail trade, the tourist and convention industry, and professional services. Many companies, such as Levi Strauss & Co., producer of one of San Francisco’s most famous products, blue jeans, have located their national headquarters in the Bay Area. Tourism is a major source of income. The bridges, Coit Tower, the museums, the restaurants, Chinatown, North Beach, the Victorian mansions, crooked Lombard Street, and the dazzling Fairmont Hotel are major attractions; Fisherman’s Wharf, however, is the most popular.

WHAT

What did I see on my travels to this city?

In my travels to San Francisco my family and I drove across the Golden Gate Bridge. It was very cold and foggy, but I could still see the bright red color of the bridge. I have also been to the crookedest street called Lombard street that had many twists and turns. From Fisherman’s Wharf I took a ride on the old-fashioned Cable Car and it took me to Union Square.

What are some Historical landmarks located in this city?

Golden Gate Bridge, Conservatory of Flowers, Mission Dolores.

What are some of the fun facts about this city?

San Francisco has more dogs than children. According to Census and Animal Care and Control department data, San Francisco has around 10,000 more dogs than children.
The bear used for the image on the California State flag lived in Golden Gate Park. The bear, named Monarch, was one of the last wild grizzly bears in California.
Denim jeans were invented in San Francisco by Levi Strauss for the Gold Rush miners who needed tough, comfortable clothing.