local
Days before America's independence, San Francisco turns 250
By Joe Rosato Jr. at NBC Bay Area (KNTV, NBC)
· June 29, 2026
· 5 min read
On June 27, 1776, seven days before the Declaration of Independence was signed in the East, a group of weary travelers arrived in what would become San Francisco and began to scratch their lives into the verdant valley that would become the Mission District — and the sand dunes and serpentine roc...
Key takeaway They were led 1,200 miles on a trek that wound through heat and snow by Spanish Lt.
Why this matters in The San Francisco
As San Francisco marks its 250th anniversary, the city's complex history is on full display. The arrival of the Anza expedition in 1776, led by Spanish Lt. Col. Juan Bautista de Anza, set in motion a chain of events that would forever alter the lives of the Ohlone Indians who had inhabited the area for centuries. Today, the legacy of that expedition can be seen in the city's diverse cultural landscape, with descendants of the original settlers still living in the area. The annual gathering of Los Californianos in the Presidio, where they commemorate the arrival of the Anza expedition, serves as a poignant reminder of the city's rich and often fraught history. As the city looks to the future, it must also reckon with the past and the ongoing impact of colonialism on the indigenous communities that call San Francisco home.
About this story
Original reporting by NBC Bay Area (KNTV, NBC) . The San Francisco surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit NBC Bay Area (KNTV, NBC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 29, 2026 ·
Source: NBC Bay Area (KNTV, NBC) ·
Reading time: 5 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? On June 27, 1776, seven days before the Declaration of Independence was signed in the East, a group of weary travelers arrived in what would become San Francisco and began to scratch their lives into the verdant valley that would become the Mission District — and the sand dunes and serpentine roc...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 29, 2026 by NBC Bay Area (KNTV, NBC) and curated for The San Francisco readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Joe Rosato Jr. at NBC Bay Area (KNTV, NBC). To learn more about how The San Francisco selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
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