South Beach in San Francisco City and County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Townsend Street
Pioneer physician in California, Dr. John Townsend and his wife came overland from Missouri in 1844, as a part of the first immigrant party to cross the Sierra by way of Truckee. A founding member of the school board in San Francisco in 1847, he was elected town Alcalde in 1848. He abandoned his office at the first news of the discovery of gold, but later returned to practice medicine at a time when the new city was being swept by epidemics of dysentery and cholera. Moving to a farm near San Jose, Townsend and his wife died of cholera there at the end of 1851.
“A good feeling man, Townsend is much attached to his own opinions, as likewise to the climate and country of California. His wife, a pleasant lady, does not enter into all her husband’s chimerical speculations.” – James Clyman, 1845
The wording of an actual hand lettered sign found near this spot, circa 1850.
Erected by San Francisco Art Commission for the Waterfront Transportation Projects.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Science & Medicine. A significant historical year for this entry is 1844.
Location. 37° 46.905′ N, 122° 23.315′ W. Marker is in San Francisco, California, in San Francisco City and County. It is in South Beach. Marker is at the intersection of Townsend Street and Embarcadero, on the left when traveling west on Townsend Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1 Townsend Street, San Francisco CA 94107, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Whaling Out of San Francisco (within shouting distance of this marker); Java House (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Remnants of Rincon Hill (about 300 feet away); Ghost Ship - Lydia (about 400 feet away); Shipbuilding at Steamboat Point (about 400 feet away); Building the Seawall (about 500 feet away); The Oriental Warehouse (about 500 feet away); The Alaska Packers (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in San Francisco.
Also see . . . Dr John Townsend - Santa Clara Research. He was one of the first Alcaldes of San Francisco, and for two years before coming to this county (which he did in 1849) he held the scales of justice so evenly as to cause him to be ever remembered for his judicial integrity. (Submitted on March 24, 2014, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.)
Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on March 24, 2014, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 609 times since then and 7 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on March 24, 2014, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.