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 THE BIRTHPLACE OF A GREAT CITY 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." THIS TABLET WAS PLACED UNDER THE AUSPICES OF THE NORTHERN FEDERATION OF CIVIC ORGANIZATIONS OF SAN FRANCISCO. THIS SITE WAS CONFIRMED BY THE CALIFORNIA HISTORICAL SOCIETY |
Homeowner
Hell: By the end of the 20th Century, San Francisco had become hell
for first time homeowners due to inflated real estate costs in the entire
region. In 2000, the median home price in the City was nearly $500,000.
Because of the struggle for permanent homes it is not unusual in San Francisco
to see longtime renter against first time buyer, developer against neighborhood,
and native against newcomer, all joined in battle over precious parcels
of land.
Did you ever wonder who had
the pick of all the lots? If you blink you might miss the marker that designates
the first dwelling in San Francisco. It is usually hidden behind T-shirts
and sweat pants in front of a Chinatown gift shop. Even when the store
is closed the plaque is partially obscured by a gate. Though most locals
and even tour guides are not aware of this marker, Mister SF has uncovered
it for you here. The first home in San Francisco was located at the corner of Clay Street and Grant Avenue. The marker is located at 823 Grant.
Detail I. Richardson's
Casa Grande survived the fires that devastated San Francisco in 1849, '50,
and '51. In 1852 it was torn down and replaced with the Adelphi Theatre,
which burned down six years later.
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Copyright 2002 Hank Donat |