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.

LETTERS FROM HOME

Read about how Californians received mail in 1853,

how they knew it was coming

and the excitement that ensued!

MISSION DOLORES

Mission Dolores was founded in 1776.

Read about what it was like at its peak and its low point,

its rediscovery during the Gold Rush

and Sarah’s visit via the newly-built Plank Road.

Her detailed description of the original Mission building in 1853 is fascinating!

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!

The Gillespie Family and Marie Seise –

the first female Chinese Immigrant

The Gillespies are thought to have brought the first Chinese immigrants to America.

CHINESE EXHIBITION ROOM

Sarah visited “Duncan’s Chinese Sales Room” – a very popular place in 1853!

They were known for their exotic items on display from China, Hong Kong and Macao

as well as their exciting raffles!

Mr. Joseph C. Duncan was quite a character

and had daughter who became quite famous!

CATHERINE HAYES

A world-famous soprano singer from Ireland,

Catherine Hayes performed in the San Francisco area for many months to great acclaim.

DUELS

San Francisco during the Gold Rush was truly the “Wild West”.

The population had grown so rapidly that law enforcement could not keep crime in check.

There were Vigilantes who took matters into their own hands and several hangings occurred.

And there were Duels!