Here are some more street names from The City.
>Haight Street got its name from Henry Huntly Haight. He was Governor of Claifornia from 1867 to 1871. He was also one of four Haight's who figure prominently in local history, but most authorities agree that the street was named for this one. We recently lost the most recent generation of the family. The Chronicle's story is here.
Halleck Street is named for Henry W. Halleck who was a merchant and banker after the gold rush. He saw that The City was headed for trouble and decided that the way to prevent it was to give the people something to be proud of. He constructed the largest building in The City, at that time (1852) and was instrumental in mitigating the effects of the slow down.
The above comments have been on the site for a long time. Recently, I heard from Paula Lichtenberg. She provided the following information. (One of the things I love about the site is that it still attracts attention. Her information is below.)
Henry W. HALLECK was a man of many talents (and occupations). A graduate of West Point, he was trained as an engineer and came to California during the Mexican War. Stationed in Monterey, he served as Military Secretary of State before statehood and was a prominent member of the Constitutional Convention in 1849. He became one of the wealthiest men in San Francisco, thanks to his involvement in many businesses and as lawyer in a prominent law firm during the 1850s. His expertise in Spanish land titles, gained during his years as Secretary of State, was a valuable asset in his practice. The four-story Montgomery Block was called "Halleck's Folly" by those who felt its estimated three million dollar cost was outrageous, but it withstood fire and earthquakes for over a hundred years, thanks to the novel construction concepts conceived by Halleck.
He returned to the Army during the Civil War and became Lincoln's General of the Army before Grant.
Harlan Place was named for George Harlan, who arrived in California in 1846 leading an overland party.
Harrison Street was named for Edward H. Harrison, who arrived in 1847 as a quartermaster's clerk of Stevenson's Regiment of First New York Volunteers. He became the collector of port.
Hawes Street was named for Horace Hawes, who came as a poor man from New York in 1849 and attained prominence as an attorney and member of the California Legislature. He was a prosecutor of The Hounds; later appointed chief executive of the city under Mayor Geary.
Hayes Street was named for Colonel Thomas Hayes, San Francisco county clerk from 1853 to 1856. He owned a large piece of land in Hayes Valley.
Hearst Avenue is named for George Hearst, the father of William Randolph Hearst who at one time owned The Examiner, and his family still owns The Chronicle.
Heron Street was named for Ensign James H. Heron, USN, who arrived in California in 1846.
Hollister Avenue was named for Sergeant Stanley Hollister of California, who was killed in Cuba.
Howard Street was named for William D. M. Howard who is often called "the most public spirited man in early San Francisco". He was one of the first "councilmen" and gave generously to may civic causes.
Hudson Avenue was named for Henry Hudson who was the English navigator who discovered Hudson River and Hudson Bay.
Hunt Street was named for Henry Brown Hunt, a pioneer merchant.
Huntington Street got its name from Collis P. Huntington. He was born poor, but rose to great wealth. He was a merchant in the gold country who had a partner named Stanford.
Hyde Street was named for George Hyde who was a Philadelphia lawyer who came to California in 1845 to fight in the war. After his discharge he practiced law in Yereba Buena and was instrumental in resolving many land grant issues. He later served as the third Acalde.
Ingalls Street was named for General Rufus Ingalls.
Ingerson Street was named for Dr. H.H. Ingerson of San Fransisco.
Irving Street was named for Washington Irving.
Jennings Street was named for Thomas Jennings, Sr. a San Fransisco pioneer active in civic affairs. His son, Thomas Jr., was a member of the Board of Supervisors from 1900 to 1901, and again in 1908 to 1909, and once served as acting mayor.
Jerrold Avenue was named for Douglas William Jerrold, an English dramatist and humorist.
Jones Street was named for Elbert P. Jones, a Kentucky lawyer who came to Yerba Buena in 1846. He was second proprietor of the town's first hotel, The Portsmouth House, on Clay Street, near Kearney. He alos edited Sam Brannan's newspaper, The Star, for a time.
Jose Sarria Court is named for José Julio Sarria, a truly fasicnating character. Among ohter thing, he was the first openly gay cnadidate for public office in the United Satees. On May 25, 2006, Sarria's lifetime of activism was commemorated when the city of San Francisco renamed a section of 16th Street in the Castro to José Sarria Court. A plaque outlining Sarria's accomplishments is embedded in the sidewalk in front of the Harvey Milk Memorial Branch of the S.F. Public Library, which is located now located at 1 José Sarria Court. I want to thank R. Christian Anderson for passing along this street name that I had missed. And here is the Wikipedia link to the story on Sarria.
Judah Street was named for Theodore D. Judah, who was the man who conceived the transcontinental railroad. The "Big Four" pretty much stole his idea.
Keith Street was named for Sir William Keith, who was born in England in 1680. He came to America and became governor of Pennsylvania and Deleware colonies. He later returned to London, lost his money, and was imprisoned for debt. He died in the Old Bailey in 1749.
Kearny Street was named for Major General Stephen Watts Kearney who was a brilliant military leader of US forces. There was some mention of Dennis Kearney who made a name for himself with the slogan "the Chinese must go", but what I read makes it clear that the honor was bestowed on the General.
Key Avenue was named for Frasncis Scott Key, the composer of "The Star Spangeled Banner".
King Street was not named after either Revend Martin Luther King Jr. or Reverend Starr King, who both have streets named after them. I have been unable to locate who it was named for, but will keep searching.
Kirkham Street was named for General Ralph W. Kirkham.
Kirkwood Avenue was named for Samuel J. Kirkwood, a governor of Idaho.
La Salle Avenue was named for Robert Cavailer de la Salle, the French explorer; discoverer of the Ohio River.
Laguna Street was named for Washerwoman's Lagoon, a pond.
Lane Street was named for L.C. Lane, a prominent physician.
Larkin Street is named for Thomas O. Larkin who held several important posts in The City in the 1840's and 50's.
Lawton Street was named for Brigader General Henry W. Lawton, who became military governor of Santiago after its surrender in the Spanish-American War. In 1886 he led troops into Mexico and captured Indian chief Geronimo. He was killed in action in 1909 during a campaigng against insurgent leader Emilio Aguinaldo.
Leavenworth Street was named for Reverend Thaddeus M. Leavenworth, an Episcopalian minister and physician. He arrived in San Francisco in 1847 as chaplain of Stevenson's First New York Volunteer Regiment. He served as alcalde in 1848-1849.
Le Conte Avenue was named for Doctor John Le Conte, a physician, who became the third president of the University of California after extensive teaching in eastern colleges. Earlier he served the Confederate forces during the Civil War. Before heading the Berkeley institution, he served there as a professor of physics and is credited with the establishment of scientific courses and setting new entrance requirements. He died at his Berkeley home on April 29, 1891.
Lee Avenue was named for Lieutenaunt Custis Lee, a son of Robert E. Lee. Custis was an aide to General Clark, Commanding Department of California.
Leese Stret was named for Jacob Primer Leese who was a grocer in San Francisco. It was common for men to meet in his store to discuss the events of the day.
Leidesdorff Stret was named for William Alexander Leidsdorff, the first African American citizen of San Francisco.
Lick Place was named for James Lick who was a philanthropist.
Loans to get a car on the road can can sometimes seem difficult some people but there several ways to get help. Drivers in San Franciso and other areas have many options when it comes to getting an auto loan for a new vehicle. There are even . bad credit auto loans available for drivers who have had difficulties in the past.
Lyon Street was named for Captain Nathaniel Lyon, West Point graduate who fought in the war with Mexico. He came to California as Captain of Troop C of the First Dragoons. In 1849 he successfully attacked Indians at Clear Lake to avenge the murder of Captian William H. Warner.
Macondary Lane is named for Frederick William Macondary, the son of a Scottish sea captain. Arriving in San Fransisco in 1849 after an early career at sea, he established the large mercantile firm of Macondary & Co., dealing largely in tea.
Market Street was named for Philadelphia's . Market Street. (While I have read this three different places, I don't like it. I will keep looking until a story more fitting for such a grand street.)
Martin Luther King Jr. Drive was named for the civil rights leader.
Mason Street was named for Colonel Richard Barnes Mason, the governor of California during the gold rush.
McAllister Street was named for Hall McAlister, a leader of a group of vigilantes named "The Hounds" in the 1850's.
The above comments have been on the site for a long time. Recently, I heard from Paula Lichtenberg. She provided the following information. (One of the things I love about the site is that it still attracts attention. Her information is below.)
Hall MCALLISTER was one of the most prominent appellate lawyers in the state. As a young man, he assisted in the prosecution of the Hounds, a group of ruffians who had savagely attacked the Hispanic settlers in Little Chile. A few years later, however, McAllister, like most of the legal community, opposed the activities of the Vigilance Committees. In the 1880s, McAllister was the lead attorney for Chinese laundrymen who had not been granted waivers by the City to operate their businesses in non-brick buildings (although all white men who owned laundries who applied for such waivers were granted them.) McAllister and the Chinese won their case in the U.S. Supreme Court.
McCoppin Street was named for Frank H. McCoppin, the ninth mayor of San Francisco, from 1867 to 1869. In 1876 he was general manager ot the Market Street Railway Co., which ran steam trains on Market Street as the city's first mechanical transportation. (The group working to perserve San Francisco's transit history selected this name for obvious reasons. My grandfather worked for The Market Street Railway beofre it was merged with the Muni.)
McKinnon Avenue was named for Father McKinnon, the chaplin of the First California Volunteerss in the Spanish-American War. He died in the Philippines.
McLaren Avenue and park were named for John McLaren the man who was Superintendnet of Golden Gate Park. His vision made this wasteland in to the paradise that it is today.
Meade Avenue was named for General George G. Meade, a commander in the Battle of Gettysburg.
Mendell Street was named for Colonel George H. Mendell, a West Point graduate who was active in the Army Corps of Engineers until his retirement in 1852. Many Pacific Coast defenses were established under his direction. In San Fransisco he served from 1900- 1903 as president of the Board of Public Works.
Mint Street was named for its proximity to the old U.S. Mint.
Mission Street was named as the first street opened in the southern portion of the city. It followed the old road from the waterfront to the Mission.
Montgomery Street was named for John B. Montgomery, as the commander of the U.S.S. Portsmouth he was the first to raise the Stars and Stripes over Yerba Buena on July 9, 1846.
Moraga Streeet was named for Lieutenant Jose Joaquin Moraga, second in command of the Anza Expidition that founded Yerba Buena. He later took command of the Expidition when Anza returned to Mexico. He founded the San Francisco Presido and Missions in Yerba Buena and Santa Clara. He died in July of 1785.
Muir Loop was named for John Muir, the famous naturalist and conservationist who was a native of Scotland. He spent his boyhood on a Wisconsin farm before coming West. He explored parts of the Yosemite Valley and the Upper Sierras. He led a succesful campaing to have the Valley taken over by the United States as a national park. He founded the Sierra Club in 1905. He died in 1914.
Natoma Street was named for an Indian tribe on the American River. This street was originally named Mellus Street honoring Henry Mellus, a business partner of William D.M. Howard.
Newcomb Avenue was named for Simon Newcomb (1835-1909), a distinguished astronomer.
Newhall Street was named for Henry M. Newhall, a native of Massachusetts who came to California in 1849 after a business career in Tennessee. In San Francisco he became a leading auctioneer, later a large buyer of real estate. He also founded the town of Newhall in Southern California.
Noe Street was named for Jose de Jesus Now, a large ranch owner and the last Alcalde under Mexican rule. His rancho was in the center of what is now San Francisco.
O'Farrell Street was named for Jasper O'Farrell, who in 1847 mapped the new city.
Ortega Street is named for Jose Francisco de Ortega. He was a pathfinder for Don Gaspar de Portola's exploring expidition and discovered San Francisco Bay on November 1, 1769.
O'Shaughnessy Boulevard was named for Michael Maurice O'Shaughnessy who was San Francisco's Chief Engineer for 22 years. He was responsible for several engineering marvels including The West Portal Tunnel, The Hetch-Hetchy water system and the street car system.
<
Otis Street was named for James Otis, the twelfth mayor of San Francisco. A native of Boston, he arrived in San Francisco in 1848, became a member of the importing and exporting firm of Macondary & Co. He was active in civic affairs and was known for his high ethical principles. He died November 4, 1875, while serving as mayor.
Pacheco Street was named for Juan Salvio Pacheco, a soldier under Anza. He is often referred to as one of the founders of San Francisco.
Pacific Avenue, which was known earlier as Pacific Street was originally named for Alcalde Washington A. Bartlertt. I can not find any reason for the change.
Page Street was named for Robert C. Page who served as clerk to the Board of Assistant Alderman from 1851 to 1856.
Palou Avenue was named for Fray Francisco Palou, a companion of Father Junipoero Serra, and his historian. Formerly with the Anza party, he took an active part in establishing Mission Dolores and the San Francisco Presidio.
Peralta Avenue was named for Gabriel Peralta, who arrived in San Francisco in 1776 as a corporal in Anza's forces. When California became American territory in 1846, his family owned much of what are now Oakland, Alameda aand Berkely.
Perry Street is named for Doctor Alexander Perry, major and surgeon in Colonel Stevenson's First New York Volunteer Regiment which arrived in 1847.
Phelan Avenue was named for James Phelan. He was a merchant in early San Francisco who became a banker, starting The First National Bank of San Francisco. He also had a son named James Phelan.
Phelphs Street is named for Timothy Guy Phelphe, A New Yorker arriving in San Francisco in 1849. He prospered in real estate. He was elected to the California Legislature in 1856 on the state's first Republican ticket. In 1869 he was appointed collector of customs for San Francisco.
Pico Avenue was named for Pio Pico, who was the last Mexican governor of California from 1845 to 1846. He joined Alvarado and Castro in opposing American occupation.
Pierce Street was named for President Franklin Pierce.
Pioche Street was named for Francis Pioche, a financier regarded as one of the city's great builders; a partner in the mercantile firm of Pioche & Bayerehque of Clay Street near Portsmouth Square.
Pixley Street was named for Frank Pixley, an early day editor of The Argonaut.
Polk Street was named for President James A. Polk.
Post Street was named for Gabriel B. Post, a member of the Ayuntamiento in 1849; known for his efforts on behalf of economy in government.
Powell Street was named for Dr. William J. Powell, surgeon of the U.S. sloop-of-war Warren, often in San Francisco Bay. He was active in the conquest of California. He also established an early sanitarium for sailors.
Quesada Avenue was named fro Gonzales Ximinez de Quesada, a Spanish explorer and conqueror of New Granada.
Quint Street was named fro Leander Qunit, a native of New Hampshire, who came to California in 1849 with a law degree. After working the mines, he opened a law office in Sonora. He was later elected to a judgeship in Tuolumne County. He came to San Francisco in 1856, practicing law until his death in 1890.
Quintara Street was named for an old Spanish family.
Ralston Stret was named for William Chapman Ralston who was one of The City's foremost bankers, industrialists and civic leaders.
Rankin Street was named for Ira P. Rankin, a well known pioneer.
Richardson Avenue is named for William Anthony Richardson. On the morning of August 20, 1822 he rowed ashore form his ship was anchored in the bay. His mission was to obtain supplies, instead he met a beautiful Spanish lady. He decided to stick around and founded Yerba Buena.
Riley Avenue was named for Brigadier General Bennet Rileu, a native of Maryland, who became Military Governor of California in Feburary of 1849. Lacking Congressional direction for governing the newly-acquired territory, he issued a proclamation calling for election of delegates to a state convention that drafted a constitution for what later became a state.
Ringold Street was named for Lieutenant Cadwaler Ringold, U.S. naval officer and surveyor. Latrer as commander of the U.S. Porpoise he directed a survey mapping the Sacramento River and parts of San Francisco Bay.
Rivera Street was named for Captain Frernando Rivera Moncado Rivera, who was an early commandante of California.
Rolph Street was named for "Sunny Jim Rolph, who was a merchant, mayor for 19 years, and later Governor.
Rossi Avenue is named for Angelo J. Rossi who was Mayor of San Franscisco for 14 years.
Russ Street was named for J.C. Christian Russ who was a landlord in the early days of The City.
