Outside Lands facts for kids
The Outside Lands was a name used a long time ago, in the 1800s. It described a big area in San Francisco, California, that we now call the Richmond and Sunset neighborhoods. Back then, this area was mostly covered in sand dunes. There weren't many roads or ways to get around, so people thought it was too hard to live there. Today, it's a busy part of the city, home to famous places like Golden Gate Park and Ocean Beach.
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A Look Back: How the Outside Lands Became Part of San Francisco
From Mexico to the United States
Just like the rest of California, the Outside Lands used to belong to Mexico. But after the Mexican–American War, in February 1848, the land became part of the United States. At that time, during the exciting Gold Rush, the land was owned by the U.S. government.
San Francisco's Growing Need for Land
The city of San Francisco was growing very fast. Leaders wanted this land for the city. So, in the 1850s, they asked the government for it. There were many legal arguments and court cases about who owned the land. Some people, called squatters, were living on the land and claimed it was theirs.
The 1866 Act: Settling the Land Claims
Finally, on March 8, 1866, the U.S. Congress passed a special law. This law ended all the arguments and made it clear that the Outside Lands belonged to the city of San Francisco. This was a big step for the city's future.
Planning a Public Park for Everyone
During these long legal battles, local leaders and people in San Francisco had an idea. They wanted to create a large public park in the western part of the city. A politician named Frank McCoppin was a big supporter of this idea.
Mayor Henry P. Coon also worked with a special group from the city council. This group spent $12,000 to survey and map all the Outside Lands.
A Vision for City Development
On May 18, 1866, the group shared their plan. They suggested dividing the land into blocks for homes and businesses. They also set aside a large area specifically for a public park. Other parts were planned for public spaces, fire stations, schools, and hospitals.
The plan also offered a deal to the squatters. If they gave up some of their land for the public park, they would get clear ownership of the rest of their land. This idea helped Supervisor McCoppin become Mayor and was approved by the state government.
Building Golden Gate Park: A Dream Comes True
The Start of Park Improvements
On April 4, 1870, the state government passed a law to improve public parks in San Francisco. Soon after, a new park commission was formed. This group sold special bonds to get money for the park's development.
Designing the Park
Enough money was raised to pay for a detailed survey of the land for Golden Gate Park. A talented surveyor and engineer named William Hammond Hall won the job. He finished his report on February 15, 1871. In August of that year, he was chosen to be the park's engineer.
First Steps in Creating the Park
In 1871, the first work began. This included leveling the ground, building fences, and setting up systems for drainage and watering. They also started a nursery to grow plants for the park.
A Growing Park for Visitors
The next year, in 1872, a huge number of trees were planted. About 22,000 strong and fast-growing trees were put into the ground. Park roads were built, and soon, thousands of visitors started coming to enjoy the new park.
