William Anthony Richardson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
William A. Richardson
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| Born | August 27, 1795 |
| Died | April 20, 1856 (aged 60) |
William Anthony Richardson (born August 27, 1795 – died April 20, 1856) was an important person in early California. He helped build two famous cities: Yerba Buena (which later became San Francisco) and Sausalito.
He was the first person to get a special land gift, called a land grant, in the area that became San Francisco. He also received a huge piece of land called Rancho Saucelito across San Francisco Bay. This land is now a big part of Marin County.
William Richardson's Early Life
William Richardson was an English sailor who arrived in San Francisco Bay in 1822. This was just after Mexico had won its independence from Spain. William was good at speaking Spanish because of his travels.
He met a local woman named Maria Antonia Martinez at a party and decided to stay in California. By 1825, he became a Mexican citizen and joined the Catholic Church. He then married Maria Antonia Martinez. Her father, Ygnacio Martinez, was an important leader at the Presidio of San Francisco, a military fort.
Founding Yerba Buena and Sausalito
William Richardson wanted his own land. He asked for a large piece of land across the Golden Gate from the Presidio. He wanted to call it "Rancho Saucelito." The name saucelito means "small willow tree" in Spanish. This name likely came from a freshwater spring or creek in the area.
Even before he officially owned the land, Richardson set up a place to sell fresh water to ships. This spot is now the town of Sausalito. The water source was very important for ships visiting the bay.
There was an inlet of San Francisco Bay near his land, which is now called Richardson Bay. This bay formed part of the northern edge of his land claim. At first, his claim to the land was not very strong because other people wanted it too. Also, Mexican law usually kept headlands (land jutting into the sea) for military use, not for private owners.
So, Richardson temporarily gave up his claim to Rancho Saucelito. Instead, he moved near the Presidio. There, he built the first two-story wooden house in the area. He also helped plan the streets for a small settlement called Yerba Buena. The main square of this settlement is now Portsmouth Square in San Francisco.
Yerba Buena was meant to be a trading post and a place where ships could get supplies. Because of his sailing experience, Richardson was made the Port Captain. This meant he was in charge of all the ships and trade in the bay. He often helped guide ships to their docking spots.
Later Years and Legacy
After many years of working to get his land, William Richardson finally received full ownership of Rancho Saucelito on February 11, 1838. This rancho was huge, covering about 19,751 acres (79.93 km2). By 1841, he had sold his properties in Yerba Buena and moved to his rancho. He continued to work as the port captain of Yerba Buena.
In his later years, Richardson faced money problems. He passed away on April 20, 1856.
Today, Richardson Bay and Richardson Avenue in San Francisco's Marina District are named after William Richardson. There is also a Richardson Street in Martinez, California. This street is one of five streets named after the sons-in-law of Don Ygnacio Martinez, William's father-in-law.
On June 12, 1937, a special bronze plaque was put up to remember William Richardson. It was placed at Richardson Avenue near the entrance to the Presidio of San Francisco. This plaque honors him as the first settler in Yerba Buena in 1835. His great-great-grandson, James T. Davis, helped unveil the plaque during the ceremony.
