Events on February 12 in history

The city of San Francisco begins issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples in response to a directive from Mayor Gavin Newsom.

Introduction to San Francisco: A Global Hub

Officially known as the City and County of San Francisco, this iconic Californian metropolis, whose name is Spanish for "Saint Francis," stands as a preeminent cultural, commercial, and financial center in the United States. Its unique designation as both a city and a county streamlines local governance, reflecting a consolidated administrative structure that has been in place since 1856.

Strategically situated in Northern California, primarily at the northern tip of the San Francisco Peninsula within the expansive San Francisco Bay Area, the city's geographical footprint is relatively compact. Covering an area of approximately 46.9 square miles (about 121 square kilometers), this limited landmass, bordered by water on three sides, contributes to its remarkable urban density. As of 2020, with 873,965 residents, San Francisco ranked as the 17th most populous city proper in the United States and the fourth most populous in California. Furthermore, it is distinguished as the second most densely populated large U.S. city and the fifth most densely populated U.S. county, surpassed only by four of New York City's five boroughs. This high population density shapes its urban landscape, public transit systems, and housing market.

Beyond its city limits, San Francisco anchors a much larger economic and demographic sphere. It forms the core of the 12th-largest metropolitan statistical area (MSA) in the United States, home to 4.7 million residents. Economically, this MSA is a powerhouse, recording the fourth-largest economic output in the nation with a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of $592 billion in 2019. When combined with neighboring San Jose and Oakland, it forms the San Jose–San Francisco–Oakland, CA Combined Statistical Area (CSA), an even larger economic and demographic entity. This CSA, with a population of 9.6 million as of 2019, ranks as the fifth most populous combined statistical area in the United States. This broader region is renowned globally as the birthplace of technological innovation, often referred to as Silicon Valley.

Colloquial nicknames like "SF," "San Fran," "The City," and "Frisco" are commonly used, reflecting both affection and familiarity among residents and visitors alike, each carrying its own cultural nuances and local preferences.

Economic Powerhouse: A Center of Wealth and Innovation

San Francisco's economic influence extends far beyond its compact geographical boundaries, establishing it as a global leader in finance, technology, and innovation. This prominence is underscored by remarkable economic indicators:

• High Per Capita Income: In 2019, San Francisco county recorded the seventh-highest per capita income in the United States, an impressive $139,405. This figure reflects the high-paying industries prevalent in the city and the overall affluence of its resident base.
• Robust City GDP: San Francisco proper achieved a GDP of $203.5 billion in 2019, with a per capita GDP of $230,829. Such figures highlight the extraordinary productivity and economic value generated within the city's core.
• Trillion-Dollar Regional Economy: The broader San Jose–San Francisco–Oakland, CA Combined Statistical Area boasted a staggering GDP of $1.09 trillion as of 2019, solidifying its position as the country's third-largest economy. This massive economic output is fueled by a diverse ecosystem of cutting-edge technology companies, venture capital, and established financial institutions.
• Leading GDP Per Capita in CSAs: Among the 105 primary statistical areas in the U.S. with over 500,000 residents, this CSA demonstrated the highest GDP per capita in 2019, reaching $112,348. This statistic underscores the region's unparalleled economic efficiency and the high standard of living it supports.
• Global Financial Center Ranking: San Francisco's standing as a financial hub is internationally recognized. As of September 2021, it ranked 5th globally and 2nd in the United States on the Global Financial Centres Index. This index evaluates the competitiveness of major financial centers worldwide, considering factors such as business environment, human capital, infrastructure, and financial sector development.

A Rich History: From Spanish Settlement to Global Icon

San Francisco's history is a vibrant tapestry woven with threads of colonial settlement, transformative booms, devastating natural disasters, and pivotal social movements.

Founding and Early Growth

The city's origins trace back to June 29, 1776, a significant year in American history. On this date, Spanish colonists formally established the Presidio of San Francisco at the Golden Gate, a military fort designed to protect Spanish interests in Alta California, and Mission San Francisco de Asís (also known as Mission Dolores) a few miles inland. Both institutions were named in honor of Saint Francis of Assisi, cementing the city's namesake. This dual establishment marked the beginning of European settlement in what would become a global city.

The Gold Rush Era and Rapid Development

The discovery of gold in California in 1848 triggered the legendary California Gold Rush of 1849, an event that utterly transformed San Francisco. What was a modest settlement exploded into a bustling port city, becoming the primary gateway for prospectors, merchants, and immigrants from around the world. This rapid influx of people and capital propelled San Francisco to become the largest city on the West Coast, attracting a diverse, multicultural population. Between 1870 and 1900, approximately one-quarter of California's entire population resided within the city proper, a testament to its magnetic draw.

Resilience in the Face of Disaster

In 1906, San Francisco faced one of its greatest challenges: a massive earthquake and subsequent fire that destroyed three-quarters of the city. Despite the catastrophic damage, the city demonstrated remarkable resilience, embarking on an ambitious and rapid rebuilding effort. Just nine years later, in 1915, San Francisco proudly hosted the Panama-Pacific International Exposition, a world's fair that showcased its miraculous recovery and cemented its place as a revitalized, forward-looking city on the global stage.

World War II and the Birth of the United Nations

During World War II, San Francisco played a crucial strategic role as a major port of embarkation for U.S. service members deploying to the Pacific Theater, contributing significantly to the Allied war effort. Following the war, in a momentous act of international diplomacy, San Francisco became the birthplace of the United Nations in 1945. The United Nations Charter was signed here, marking the dawn of a new era of global cooperation and peace.

A Crucible of Liberal Activism and Counterculture

The post-war decades saw San Francisco emerge as a pivotal center for liberal thought and social change. A convergence of factors—including returning servicemen, waves of new immigration, increasingly liberal social attitudes, and the rise of influential countercultures like the "beatniks" and "hippies"—created a unique environment. These movements, coupled with the Sexual Revolution and the burgeoning Peace Movement spurred by opposition to the Vietnam War, culminated in iconic events such as the 1967 "Summer of Love" in the Haight-Ashbury district. San Francisco also became a primary incubator for the gay rights movement, especially through the activism centered in the Castro District. This rich history of social innovation and advocacy firmly cemented San Francisco's reputation as a leading center of liberal activism and progressive politics in the United States, a legacy reflected in its strong Democratic Party voting patterns.

Cultural Identity and Modern Challenges

San Francisco remains a perennially popular tourist destination, renowned for its distinctive charm and iconic features:

• Unique Climate and Topography: The city is famous for its cool summers, persistent fog (often personified as "Karl the Fog"), and dramatic, steep rolling hills that offer breathtaking vistas and challenge its drivers.
• Architectural Eclecticism: An eclectic mix of Victorian, Edwardian, and modern architecture creates a visually rich urban landscape.
• World-Renowned Landmarks: Iconic sights abound, drawing millions of visitors annually. These include:
  • The majestic Golden Gate Bridge, an engineering marvel and a symbol of the city.
  • The historic cable cars, offering a charming way to navigate the city's hills and a unique moving landmark.
  • The former Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary, a notorious island prison offering a glimpse into a dark chapter of history.
  • The bustling Fisherman's Wharf, famous for its seafood, sea lions, and pier attractions.
  • The vibrant Chinatown district, the oldest Chinatown in North America, rich in culture, history, and culinary delights.

A Hub for Corporate Innovation and Education

San Francisco is not just a tourist magnet but also a significant corporate and intellectual hub, home to the headquarters of numerous influential companies and institutions:

• Leading Corporations: The city hosts major players across various sectors, including financial giants like Wells Fargo, technology innovators such as Twitter (now X), Block (formerly Square), Airbnb, Salesforce, Dropbox, Uber, and Lyft, and iconic retail brands like Levi Strauss & Co. and Gap Inc. Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E), a crucial utility provider, also has its base here.
• Educational and Cultural Institutions: The city and the wider Bay Area are global centers for science and arts. Key institutions include:
  • The University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), a premier health sciences university and research center.
  • The University of San Francisco (USF) and San Francisco State University (SFSU), offering diverse academic programs.
  • Prestigious art and culture venues like the de Young Museum, the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA), the SFJAZZ Center, and the San Francisco Symphony.
  • The California Academy of Sciences, a renowned natural history museum, aquarium, rainforest, and planetarium.

Environmental Concerns

More recently, California's prolonged statewide droughts have posed significant challenges to San Francisco's water security, necessitating innovative conservation efforts and long-term planning for sustainable water management.

Pioneering Social Progress: The Fight for Same-Sex Marriage

San Francisco has consistently been at the forefront of social justice movements, notably playing a catalytic role in the national conversation surrounding LGBTQ+ rights, particularly same-sex marriage.

In a groundbreaking move between February 12 and March 11, 2004, then-San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom directed the city-county clerk to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples. This bold action led to approximately 4,000 such licenses being issued, instantly bringing the issue of marriage equality to national attention. The issuance was met with immediate legal and political opposition, including lawsuits from California Attorney General Bill Lockyer and various interest groups seeking to halt the practice. On March 11, 2004, the California Supreme Court intervened, ordering an immediate cessation to the issuance of new licenses. Subsequently, on August 12, 2004, the court voided all the licenses that had been issued, nullifying these marriages.

Despite the temporary setback, San Francisco's defiant stance ignited a statewide and national legal battle. This direct legal dispute over the right of same-sex couples to marry culminated in the landmark 2008 In re Marriage Cases ruling by the California Supreme Court. This pivotal decision officially legalized same-sex marriage in California, marking a significant victory for LGBTQ+ rights and establishing a precedent that would contribute to the broader national movement for marriage equality.

Frequently Asked Questions about San Francisco

What is San Francisco's official name?

Its official name is the City and County of San Francisco, reflecting its unique consolidated government structure.

Why is San Francisco considered so densely populated?

Given its compact area of roughly 46.9 square miles on the San Francisco Peninsula, and a population of 873,965 as of 2020, it is the second most densely populated large U.S. city and the fifth most densely populated U.S. county, constrained by its geography.

What is the economic significance of the San Jose–San Francisco–Oakland, CA Combined Statistical Area?

This CSA is a powerhouse, recording a GDP of $1.09 trillion in 2019, making it the country's third-largest economy and the CSA with the highest GDP per capita in the U.S., driven by technology and innovation.

What role did San Francisco play in the founding of the United Nations?

San Francisco was the historic location where the United Nations Charter was signed in 1945, officially establishing the international organization dedicated to global peace and cooperation.

What are some of San Francisco's most famous landmarks?

Key landmarks include the Golden Gate Bridge, historic cable cars, the former Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary, Fisherman's Wharf, and its vibrant Chinatown district.

How did San Francisco contribute to the same-sex marriage movement?

In 2004, San Francisco's Mayor Gavin Newsom directed the issuance of marriage licenses to same-sex couples, a move that, despite being initially voided, sparked the legal battles that ultimately led to the legalization of same-sex marriage in California in 2008.