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

The Birthplace of a Great City

Photographed by Joseph Alvarado, June 3, 2023

1. The Birthplace of a Great City Marker

Inscription. Here, June 25, 1835, William A. Richardson, founder of Yerba Buena, (later San Francisco) erected its first habitation, a tent dwelling, replacing it, in October 1835, by the first wooden house, and on this ground, in 1836, he erected the large adobe building, known as “Casa Grande.”

Erected by Northern Federation of Civic Organizations of San Francisco.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical date for this entry is June 25, 1835.

Location. 37° 47.681′ N, 122° 24.392′ W. Marker is in San Francisco, California, in San Francisco City and County. It is in Chinatown. It can be reached from Grant Avenue near Clay Street, on the left when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 823 Grant Avenue, San Francisco CA 94108, 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: California Star (within shouting distance of this marker); Site of San Francisco’s First Book Store (within shouting distance of this marker); Watershed History (North Shore) (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Raising of the American Flag (about 300 feet away); Spofford Alley (about 300 feet away); Ross Alley

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(about 300 feet away); Site of the First Public School in California (about 300 feet away); Portsmouth Plaza (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in San Francisco.

More about this marker. This marker is sometimes difficult to see as it is frequently obscured by a metal gate and merchandise.

Also see . . . William Richardson and Yerba Buena Origins - Found SF. Smitten with the charms of Señorita Mara Antonia Martínez, Richardson quickly decided he wanted to stay in the area. Following the Comandante's advice, the Englishman headed for Monterey and on October 7 presented a petition to Governor Pablo Vicente de Sol asking for permission to settle in California. (Submitted on December 19, 2013, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.)

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, December 16, 2013

2. The Birthplace of a Great City Marker

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, December 16, 2013

3. The Birthplace of a Great City Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on June 13, 2023. It was originally submitted on December 19, 2013, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 1,333 times since then and 72 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on June 13, 2023, by Joseph Alvarado of Livermore, California. 2, 3. submitted on December 19, 2013, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.