South San Francisco

South San Francisco, California, often referred to as "South City," is a city located in San Mateo County on the San Francisco Peninsula in the Bay Area. Although it shares part of its name with the nearby city of San Francisco, it is a distinct and separate city. Here is a detailed history of South San Francisco:

Early History

• Pre-Colonial Era: The area now known as South San Francisco was originally inhabited by the Ohlone people before European settlement.
• Spanish and Mexican Era: Like much of California, the area was explored by Spanish explorers in the 18th century. During the Mexican period, it was part of the Rancho Buri Buri land grant.

Founding and Early Development

• 1890s: South San Francisco was founded as a city in 1908. It was developed as an industrial city, distinct from the nearby urban center of San Francisco.
• Industrial Growth: The city quickly became known for its industrial capabilities, leading to its nickname "The Industrial City." The presence of the Pacific Coast Steel Company and a variety of other manufacturing plants laid the foundation for this industrial reputation.
• The "Sign": The city is famous for its hillside sign that reads "South San Francisco The Industrial City," which was constructed in the 1920s and remains a landmark.

20th Century Developments

• World War II: During the war, the city saw a boost in its industrial output, contributing significantly to the war effort with shipbuilding and other manufacturing.
• Post-War Era: After the war, the city expanded residentially to accommodate returning veterans and their families. The industrial base continued to be a significant part of the economy.
• Emergence of Biotechnology: In the 1970s and 1980s, South San Francisco began transforming into a hub for biotechnology. Genentech, a pioneering biotech company, was founded there in 1976, marking the beginning of the city's role as a center for the biotech industry.

Historical Figures

• Herbert Fleishhacker: A banker and philanthropist who played a role in the establishment of industries in South San Francisco.
• Robert A. Swanson: Co-founder of Genentech, which was the first company to produce synthetic human insulin.

Significant Events

• 1920s Industrial Boom: The construction of the steel mills and other factories.
• 1980s Biotech Boom: The establishment of Genentech led to the city becoming known as the "Birthplace of Biotechnology."

Important Landmarks

• South San Francisco Hillside Sign: An iconic symbol of the city's industrial heritage, visible from the highway.
• Orange Memorial Park: A large public park that serves as a community center for recreation and events.
• Historical Industrial Buildings: Many of the original industrial buildings have been repurposed or preserved, reflecting the city's industrial past.
• San Bruno Mountain: A significant natural landmark offering hiking and panoramic views of the Bay Area.

Modern Era

Today, South San Francisco is a blend of its industrial roots and cutting-edge biotechnology. It continues to be a major employment center, with numerous biotech firms and a diverse community. The city has also invested in revitalizing its downtown area and improving public transportation to better serve its residents and workforce.