Portsmouth Square archaeological findings

Archaeological investigations at Portsmouth Square have identified stratified deposits dating to San Francisco’s founding period, including Gold Rush‑era features. Excavations and monitoring in the 1970s–1980s documented foundations, domestic refuse, coins, ceramics, and other artifacts tied to 19th‑century occupation and early Chinese American use of the site. These finds are reported in municipal and archaeological reports and have been used to interpret the early urban history of San Francisco.