San Francisco ..... part I

San Francisco the twelfth largest city is one of the most beautiful cities in the United States.  The iconic Golden Gate Bridge is world renowned for its beauty. Picture from bluebloodsuniverse. 

The history of the city of San Francisco has been greatly influenced by its location at the entrance of one of the world's best natural harbors.

The first Native Americans to settle this region found the bay to be a vast natural resource for hunting and gathering their provisions and for the establishment of many small villages. Collectively, these early Native Americans were known as the Ohlone.

The first Europeans that sailed the north coast of California were Juan Cabrillo and Sir Francis Drake.  Both failed to notice the entrance to the bay most likely due to fog that is prevalent in the region.  

The earliest European colonial enterprises came in 1769, by Spaniards Don Gaspar de Portola and Fra Junipero Serra who established military and religious settlements.  San Francisco became part of the United States in 1848.

San Francisco’s streetcars are the world's last manually operated cable car system.  Only two lines are in operation and are used overwhelmingly by tourists.  In this picture from Wikipedia streetcar #10 climbs the hill with a view of the island of Alcatraz in the back.

In front of the Powell-Mason #2 streetcar with my children in 2002.  John my companion on the trip is on the left with the red jacket.  George is in the middle with Chloe to his right.  Mark is in front of me.