Alcatraz in California We’re a roofing company in South San Francisco, so we’re naturally invested in our city and the surrounding neighborhoods. Though it’s enjoyed a relatively short life compared to other United States cities, San Francisco still has a rich and full history. We see history every day in the homes we work on. We see it when we go to the market or get a cup of coffee. We see it when we’re out for a walk. Because so much history surrounds us throughout our daily lives, we thought it would be interesting to do a little research and see what happened this month in San Francisco history. Since it’s getting to be late February, we’re including some historical milestones in March, as well. If you think of anything we missed, please let us know.

San Francisco County Created

On February 18, 1850, San Francisco County was created by the California Legislature. Some of the original territory in San Francisco County is now in San Mateo County-- South San Francisco. Some of the original county’s water is in Marin County now, as well. To this day, it’s still the only consolidated city-county in California.

Panama-Pacific International Exposition

In 1915, late February marked the beginning of the Panama-Pacific International Exposition. This nine month event celebrated the completion of the Panama Canal, and celebrated humanity’s spirit of innovation. The Palace of Fine Arts was built just for this landmark exposition. The expo covered 600 acres and stretched along more than two miles of waterfront property. If you’d like to know more about this important event, there’s a great article here.

San Francisco Bay Designated a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance

On February 2, 2013, The Bay was designated as a Wetland of International Importance under the Convention on Wetlands, which is also known as the Ramsar Convention. San Francisco Bay hosts more than 1,000 species of birds, mammals, and invertebrates-- as well as over 130 species of fish. From Andrea Jones, Audubon California’s coastal stewardship program director: “We’ve long known that the Bay is of hemispheric importance to migratory shorebirds and waterfowl, and this recognition just solidifies that stature among the international community. We hope that this will bolster efforts to restore and protect these critically important habitats.” These birds, fish, and mammals enhance our lives and our livelihoods on a daily basis, so this was an important moment for San Francisco.

Steve Jobs Born

On February 24, 1955, one of the world’s most beloved tech entrepreneurs was born in San Francisco. There’s no question that Steve Jobs changed the world and gave rise to much of the Silicon Valley culture we know today.

6UV Begins Broadcasting

In March of 1920, one of the first radio stations (some say the second radio station) to ever broadcast in San Francisco opened for business. It was operated by the Radio Telephone Shop, located near the waterfront in a location known as “radio row.” Though it only operated for two years, 6UV (laster known as KYY) and its proprietor, AF Pendleton, remain an important part of broadcast history.

Alcatraz Evacuated

From 1934-1963, one of San Francisco’s most popular tourist attractions held the nation’s most dangerous felons. Al Capone and Robert “Birdman of Alcatraz” Stroud both called Alcatraz home for years. No inmate ever escaped from Alcatraz, which still captures the imaginations of tourists, to this day. On March 22, 1963, Alcatraz was evacuated as a federal prison. Though it no longer hosts the worst of the worst, it’s still an important part of the San Francisco landscape.

 

If you have any questions about the history provided, feel free to call us for more information. We always love chatting about the history of San Francisco. That’s why we’re a roofing company in South San Francisco and not a roofing company in Dubuque, IA. No offense, Dubuque. ~Mr. Roofing San Francisco’s residential & commercial roofing experts