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NewsNBC Bay Area — San FranciscoJune 30, 2026San Francisco

Archaeological Discoveries at the San Francisco Presidio

Archaeologists are uncovering the origins of San Francisco by excavating the Presidio, the site of the original Spanish colonial settlement established 250 years ago. The findings, including structural walls and refuse pits, provide insight into the daily lives of early settlers and the impact of colonization on the local Ramaytush Ohlone people.

archaeologySan Francisco historyPresidioIndigenous historycolonialism
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Why It Matters

The Presidio National Trust manages 30 archaeological sites that document the city's foundational history and the displacement of Indigenous populations.

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 Spanish settlement was established 250 years ago by the Anza Expedition.
  • Excavations identified the location of original adobe walls and garbage pits containing ceramics, gun flints, and butchered cow bones.
  • The Presidio was originally chosen as a settlement site to monitor the Golden Gate Strait against Russian and British explorers.
  • June 29 marked the 250th anniversary of the mass held near Mission Dolores, considered the unofficial founding of San Francisco.
  • The arrival of Spanish colonists led to the establishment of a mission system intended to convert Indigenous people into a labor force.

Who's Mentioned

personKari Jones“Presidio archaeologist leading the excavation team.”otherRamaytush Ohlone“Indigenous people who inhabited the land prior to Spanish arrival.”otherAnza Expedition“The group of Spanish colonists who founded the settlement 250 years ago.”personGary Kamiya“Historian providing context on the site's strategic importance.”organizationPresidio National Trust“Organization managing 30 archaeological sites in the Presidio.”personGregg Castro“Descendant of the Ramaytush Ohlone.”