History of the Jews in San Francisco facts for kids
The story of Jewish people in San Francisco started with the exciting California Gold Rush in the late 1800s. Today, the San Francisco Bay Area is home to the fourth largest Jewish community in the United States. Only the New York area, southeast Florida, and Los Angeles have more. Jewish residents of San Francisco have greatly helped build the city and California itself. They played a big part in its economy and culture.
Contents
Jewish History in San Francisco
The Gold Rush and Early Growth
In 1847, a small Mexican town called Yerba Buena changed its name to San Francisco. It quickly became a very important city in the American West. When gold was found in California in 1848, many German-speaking Jews moved to San Francisco. They came from places like Bavaria and the Province of Posen.
By 1880, San Francisco had the second largest Jewish population in the entire country. One of the oldest synagogues in the United States, Congregation Sherith Israel, was started during the Gold Rush.
Famous Jewish Leaders and Businesses
Levi Strauss and Blue Jeans
Levi Strauss traveled from New York to San Francisco. He sold strong denim fabric to miners. In 1853, his company, Levi Strauss & Co., began. It was first located near the docks of San Francisco. The famous blue jeans we know today were invented by Jacob W. Davis and Levi Strauss. They received a patent for their design in 1873.
Adolph Sutro: Mayor and Visionary
Adolph Sutro was the first Jewish mayor of San Francisco. He served from 1895 to 1897. At one point, Sutro owned a huge amount of land in San Francisco. He bought the famous Cliff House in the early 1880s. He also bought a thousand acres of land facing the ocean, which is now called Sutro Heights.
In 1896, the Sutro Baths opened. This was the world's largest indoor swimming complex. It was located on the north side of Ocean Beach, near the Golden Gate Bridge.
The 1906 Earthquake
On April 18, 1906, a huge earthquake and fires destroyed most of San Francisco. Over 80% of the city was ruined. This disaster affected everyone, including the nearly 30,000 Jewish people living there at the time.
