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Presidio digs reveal 250 years of San Francisco history
By Joe Rosato Jr. at NBC Bay Area (KNTV, NBC)
· June 30, 2026
· 4 min read
San Francisco Presidio archaeologist Kari Jones hovered over a table crammed with bits and pieces of ceramics, bones, shards of metal — the garbage of another era — now treasure to Jones and others seeking to understand the Presidio’s first settlers.
“One of the things we say about archaeology...
Key takeaway Jones and her archaeology team have spent years seeking stories big and small in the Presidio, from as far back as 250 years when the Anza Expedition arrived in future San Francisco and built a village in the Presidio.
Why this matters in The San Francisco
The Presidio's archaeological findings offer a unique glimpse into San Francisco's early history, one that complements the city's well-documented Gold Rush era. As the city continues to grow and evolve, understanding its origins is crucial for preserving its cultural heritage. The discovery of garbage pits and artifacts such as ceramic dishes and butchered cow bones provides tangible evidence of the daily lives of the city's first settlers. This historical context is particularly relevant in San Francisco, where the rapid pace of development and urbanization often overshadows its rich cultural past. The Presidio's excavation site serves as a physical connection to the city's founding, and its findings will likely inform future historical preservation efforts and cultural exhibitions, allowing San Francisco residents to engage with their city's history in a more meaningful way. The 250th anniversary of the city's unofficial founding is a poignant reminder of the importance of preserving this history.
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 30, 2026 ·
Source: NBC Bay Area (KNTV, NBC) ·
Reading time: 4 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? San Francisco Presidio archaeologist Kari Jones hovered over a table crammed with bits and pieces of ceramics, bones, shards of metal — the garbage of another era — now treasure to Jones and others seeking to understand the Presidio’s first settlers.
“One of the things we say about archaeology...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 30, 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 .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The San Francisco, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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