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NewsNBC Bay Area — Local NewsJune 30, 2026California

Archaeological Discoveries at the San Francisco Presidio

Archaeologists are uncovering the history of San Francisco's original Spanish colonial settlement by excavating the Presidio. The project provides insight into the lives of early settlers and the impact of colonization on the local Ramaytush Ohlone people.

archaeologySan Francisco historyPresidioIndigenous historySpanish colonial history
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Why It Matters

The Presidio National Trust manages 30 archaeological sites that document the city's origins and the displacement of Indigenous populations 250 years ago.

Key Facts

  • The Presidio National Trust manages 30 distinct archaeological sites within the Presidio.
  • Archaeological excavations have yielded approximately 1 million artifacts to date.
  • The Anza Expedition arrived in the area 250 years ago to establish a Spanish colonial settlement.
  • Excavations at the Presidio Officer’s Club identified the layout of original adobe walls and garbage pits containing colonial-era items.
  • Artifacts recovered include Mexican ceramic shards, gun flints, and butchered cow bones.
  • June 29 marked the 250th anniversary of the first mass held near Mission Dolores, considered the unofficial founding of San Francisco.
  • The Presidio was originally selected as a settlement site to monitor the Golden Gate Strait against Russian and British explorers.
  • The arrival of Spanish colonists initiated the displacement and forced labor of the local Ramaytush Ohlone people.

Who's Mentioned

personKari Jones“Presidio archaeologist leading the excavation team.”personGregg Castro“Descendant of the Ramaytush Ohlone people.”organizationPresidio National Trust“Manages 30 archaeological sites within the Presidio.”personGary Kamiya“Historian providing context on the Anza Expedition.”