Portsmouth Square

Special Event: Chinatown Night Market Fair

Known as the "Heart of Chinatown" -- Portsmouth Square. This square is called the Heart of Chinatown because Chinatown started along one side of the square and now extends around and beyond it. Portsmouth Square is rich with history as marked by statues, markers, and plaques sprinkled throughout the square.

• the first public school building, erected in 1847 on the southwest corner of plaza, where religious services and many public meetings were held,
  
• the dramatic announcement of gold discovery made on May 11, 1848, when Sam Brannan displayed glittering samples to crowds,
  mass meeting to urge election of delegates to Monterey Constitutional Convention on June 12, 1849,
  
• refuge for citizens following conflagrations of 1849, 1850, 1851, and 1906,
  
• citizens' assembly on July 16, 1849 to organize against depredations of a lawless body called 'The Hounds,'
  
• memorial services held August 29, 1850, following death of President Zachary Taylor,
  
• first Admission Day celebration held October 29, 1850, when the steamship Oregon brought the news that California had become 31st state on September 9,
  
• an indignation meeting, organized June 1, 1852, to protest against the city council's purchase of the Jenny Lind Theatre to be used as a city hall,
  
• commemorative services held for Henry Daly, August 10, 1852,
  
• and an oration delivered by Colonel E. D. Baker on September 18, 1859, over the body of U. S. Senator David C. Broderick, killed in duel with Chief Justice David S. Terry.
  
• Robert Louis Stevenson spent many hours here during his visit to the city in 1879-1880.

Goddess of Democracy

Dedicated to those who strive for and cherish human rights and democracy. A gift to the city of San Francisco from the San Francisco Goddess of Democracy Statue Project.

Landmark for first public school
in California

This marks the site of the first public school in California. Erected in 1847. Opened April 3, 1848. This commemorative marker was erected in 1957 by the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the State of California. California Historical Landmark 587.

Landmark for Eastern Terminus
of Clay Street Hill Railroad Company

Andrew Smith Hallidie - Site of Eastern Terminus first street cars in the world propelled by cable - Commence operation August 1, 1873. Ceased February 15, 1942. Invented and installed by Andrew S. Hallidie, Born London, England March 16, 1836. Died San Francisco, April 24, 1900. Pioneer Manufacturer of wire cables, Regent University of California, twice member Board of Freeholders for drafting proposed city charter, served on first Board of Trustees, 1878 of San Francisco Public Library. Registered State Landmark No. 500. Tablet placed by California State Park Commission based furnished by friends of Andrew S. Hallidie.

Marker for raising of
the American Flag

On this spot the American flag was first raised in San Francisco by Commander John B. Montgomery of the U.S.S. Portsmouth. July 9, 1846. Marked by the Daughters of the American Revolution San Francisco Chapters 1924.

Marker for
Robert Louis Stevenson

To remember Robert Louis Stevenson - To be honest to be kind - to earn a little to spend a little less - to make upon the whole a family happier for his presence - to renounce when that shall be necessary and not be embittered to keep a few friends but these without capitulation - above all on the same grim condition to keep friends with himself here is a task for all that a man has of fortitude and delicacy.

Elevators to garage

Below Portsmouth Square is a large parking garage, where most visitors to Chinatown park. For more info about parking, please click here.