Northern Waterfront in San Francisco City and County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

The History of Sourdough Bread

Photographed by Joseph Alvarado, June 15, 2023

1. The History of Sourdough Bread Markers

Inscription. In 1849, Isadore Boudin baked the first sourdough French loaf. Saving a bit of the dough for the next day’s batch, he began a tradition that continues 150 years later. Today, sourdough is as much a part of San Francisco as cable cars and the Golden Gate Bridge.

Our Sourdough Secret
The “mother” dough handed down from Isadore Boudin’s day gives sourdough it’s distinctive flavor and aroma. Baked on premises and served warm, our sourdough bread complements fresh seafood like a fine wine. It’s a taste as unforgettable as San Francisco itself. Enjoy!

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Anthropology & Archaeology. A significant historical year for this entry is 1849.

Location. 37° 48.537′ N, 122° 24.611′ W. Marker is in San Francisco, California, in San Francisco City and County. It is in Northern Waterfront. It can be reached from the intersection of The Embarcadero and Beach Street, on the right when traveling north. The markers are mounted to the left of the front door to the Fog Harbor Fish House on the upper level. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: Pier 39, San Francisco CA 94133, United States of America. Touch for directions.

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 Mexico’s Alta California.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: A Fisherman's Tale (a few steps from this marker); The Eagle Cafe Moves Up to Pier 39. (a few steps from this marker); Our Legal Hassles.

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(within shouting distance of this marker); A Rare Moment of Cooperation (within shouting distance of this marker); San Francisco's Most Popular Postcard. (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Kids for Hire. (about 500 feet away); Deep Pockets - But Not Deep Enough. (about 500 feet away); The $25 Reward That Cost $2,416,825. (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in San Francisco.

Also see . . . San Francisco’s Famous Sourdough Was Once Really Gross. Atlas Obscura

"Letters, diaries, and newspaper articles written by and about the 49ers, lumberjacks, and pioneers of the American West are full of complaints about horrible and inedible sourdough. Could bad bread really have inspired San Francisco’s most beloved loaf?"

(Submitted on August 17, 2023, by Joseph Alvarado of Livermore, California.)

Photographed by Joseph Alvarado, June 15, 2023

2. The History of Sourdough Bread Markers

Two left frames.

Credits. This page was last revised on August 17, 2023. It was originally submitted on August 17, 2023, by Joseph Alvarado of Livermore, California. This page has been viewed 315 times since then and 34 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 17, 2023, by Joseph Alvarado of Livermore, California.