Chinatown in San Francisco City and County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Portsmouth Plaza
An Historic Shrine
Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, February 10, 2014
1. Portsmouth Plaza Marker
Named for U.S.S. Portsmouth commanded by Capt. John B. Montgomery, after whom Montgomery Street was named. It was here on the plaza that Capt. Montgomery first raised the American flag near the Mexican adobe custom house on July 9, 1846. This plaza was the center of many early day activities among which were the following:-
First public school building erected 1847, S.W. corner of plaza, where religious services and many public meetings were held.
Dramatic and authoritative announcement of gold discovery made by Sam Brannan on May 11, 1848, who displayed glittering samples to crowds on plaza.
Election of delegates to Monterey Constitutional Convention urged at mass meeting June 12, 1849.
Served as place of refuge for citizens following conflagrations of 1849, 1850, 1851 and 1906.
On July 16, 1849, crowd assembled to organize against depredations of lawless body called "The Hounds."
Memorial services held August 29, 1850, following death of President Zachary Taylor.
First Admission Day celebration held October 29, 1850, following news brought by steamship Oregon that California, on September 9, had become 31st
this page online
Indignation meeting organized June 1, 1852, to protest against purchase by City Council of Jenny Lind Theatre as City Hall.
Commemorative service held for Henry Clay, August 10, 1852.
Colonel E.D. Baker, September 18, 1859, delivered oration over body U.S. Senator David C. Broderick, killed in duel with Chief Justice David S. Terry.
Robert Louis Stevenson spent many hours here during his visit to the city in 1879-1880.
Erected 1950 by California Centennial Commission. (Marker Number 119.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Education • Government & Politics • War, Mexican-American. In addition, it is included in the California Historical Landmarks, and the Former U.S. Presidents: #12 Zachary Taylor series lists. A significant historical date for this entry is May 11, 1848.
Location. 37° 47.694′ N, 122° 24.321′ W. Marker is in San Francisco, California, in San Francisco City and County. It is in Chinatown. It can be reached from Kearny Street near Washington Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 751 Kearny Street, San Francisco CA 94108, United
Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, February 10, 2014
2. Portsmouth Plaza Marker
Regionally, this marker is on California’s Coast Ranges. It is also on the American Pacific Coast. Globally, it is in North America, on the Ring of Fire, in the Pacific Rim, in the Western Hemisphere, in the Western World, and in the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain and also Mexicos Alta California.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Raising of the American Flag (within shouting distance of this marker); Andrew Smith Hallidie (within shouting distance of this marker); Site of the First Public School in California (within shouting distance of this marker); Site of San Franciscos First Book Store (within shouting distance of this marker); Hanlin Tea Restaurant (within shouting distance of this marker); Site of the Jenny Lind Theatre and San Francisco City Hall (within shouting distance of this marker); California Star (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Birthplace of a Great City (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in San Francisco.
More about this marker.
via California Historical Society, unknown
3. The Grand Admission Celebration
Portsmouth Square, October 29 & 30, 1850
Also see . . . The Evolution of Portsmouth Square - San Francisco History. The formal christening of Portsmouth Square took place July 8, 1846. Prior to that time it had figured only as a plaza, but it was the center of activity in the little town of Yerba Buena, which consisted of about fifty houses between the base of Telegraph Hill and Happy Valley. (Submitted on February 11, 2014, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.)
Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, January 14, 2014
4. Robert Louis Stevenson Monument
Robert Louis
Stevenson
To be honest to be
kind - to earn a little
to spend a little less -
to make upon the whole a
family happier for
his presence – to
renounce when that
shall be necessary
and not be embittered –
to keep a few
friends but these
without capitulation –
above all on
the same grim
condition to keep
friends with himself
here is a task for
all that a man has
of fortitude and
delicacy
Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on February 11, 2014, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 1,419 times since then and 51 times this year. Last updated on December 11, 2019, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 11, 2014, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. 3. submitted on April 7, 2021, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. 4. submitted on February 11, 2014, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
