Click on an image to view the full-size photograph.
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Portsmouth Square is located on the first public square established in the early 19th century in the Mexican community of Yerba Buena, whose name was changed to San Francisco in 1847. Captain John B. Montgomery of the USS Portsmouth was ordered to seize Yerba Buena during the Mexican-American War. On 9 July1846, the first American flag was raised near the Mexican adobe custom house in the plaza that would eventually be named Portsmouth Square in honor of the ship.
Many historical events have happened at the plaza. In 1847, the first public school in California was erected at the plaza's southwest corner. On 11 May 1848, the discovery of gold was announced when Sam Brannan showed his gold to a crowd. On 12 June 1849, a group was gathered at the plaza, demanding the election of delegates at the Monterey Constitutional Convention. On 29 August 1850, a memorial service was held after the death of US President Zachary Taylor. The First Admission Day celebration was held on 29 October 1850, when California became the 31st state of the United States.
Portsmouth Square Park is located in the heart of Chinatown. |
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A view from Portsmouth Square looking west, as seen on 22 June 1851. "Near harbor in 1851 — San Francisco during the Gold Rush. Early daguerreotype. Signs visible in the image include Book and Job Printing, Louisiana, Sociedad, Drugs & Medicines Wholesale & Retail, Henry Johnson & Co, Alta California, Bella Union."
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"Constructed in 1858, this elegant brick building played a major role in the financial and entrepreneurial development of frontier San Francisco. From his offices in this building, William M. Lent, President of the Savage Mining Company, organized the financing of the Comstock Lode located in Virginia City, Nevada. The wealth created by the successful mining of the Comstock provided capital for the development of the West in the years following the Civil War. The Society of California Pioneers." The building is San Francisco Landmark #27.
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I have an unbounded interest in Virginia City and have visited Virginia City many times.
Here are my photo galleries from Virginia City, Nevada.
2. Julia Bulette's gravesite, plus the Masonic and Catholic cemeteries of Gold Hill. September 2011.
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| The route through Chinatown. The approximate distance traveled was 4.5 miles. |
"A camera is a tool for learning how to see without a camera." Dorothea Lange
"Photography has not changed since its origin except in its technical aspects, which for me are not important." Henri Carter-Bresson
"The important thing is not the camera but the eye." Alfred Eisenstaedt
The first volume of the San Francisco Bay Area Photo Blog contains galleries of photographs posted on the Internet between 2002 and 2011. Click Here to view those photos.
Question or comment? I may be reached at neil@mishalov.com.
