Before San Francisco: The Archaeology of El Polin Spring in the Presidio of San Francisco

Summary

Archaeological research at El Polín Spring in the Presidio of San Francisco illuminates the early history of the city before San Francisco and Yerba Buena. Initial historic research and archaeological excavation at El Polín revealed what was interpreted to be the home and associated refuse midden of two intermarried colonial families. This is the first known Spanish-colonial occupation outside the walls of El Presidio de San Francisco, dating to sometime after 1812. More recent excavation at the site has uncovered additional features, including a terra cotta tile kiln, suggesting a more complex settlement. This paper explores the potential of the preserved archaeological site at El Polín to answer questions about the Spanish and Mexican period in what is now San Francisco. Current efforts to interpret this history to park visitors are also discussed.

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This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• Society for American Archaeology 80th Annual Meeting, San Francisco, CA (2015)   •
• Spanish to the Silicon: The Diversity of San Francisco Historical Archaeology

Keywords

Spatial Coverage