SAN FRANCISCO
San Francisco in 1853

The Howlands were in San Francisco from
June 1-12, 1853.
EARLY SAN FRANCISCO
From the small Spanish & Mexican settlement of Yerba Buena
to the wild American city at the center of the Gold Rush,
San Francisco experienced huge global population growth in a short amount of time,
with building booms, deserted ships,
heavy rains, and great fires.
By 1853 it was becoming a bit more civilized.

MRS. CHARLES VAN MEGEN GILLESPIE
AND HER GARDENS
Gardens do not come to mind with the Gold Rush.
San Francisco had men from all nationalities. There was a lot of crime and violence.
The streets were no more than mud tracks. No sooner was a house put up than it burned down.
Gardens do not fit the stereotype – but there were many of them.
But none as beautiful as those of Sarah Gillespie!


