Has anyone ever wondered how South San Francisco earned its nickname, “South City?” We’re standing in the heart of South San Francisco, a city brimming with history and innovation. It’s a place where industrial grit meets biotech brilliance. South San Francisco’s story begins long before its official incorporation in 1908. Evidence suggests that the Ramaytush, an Ohlone tribe, called this area home for over 5,000 years. They lived along the San Bruno Creek, a vital resource for their survival.
South San Francisco’s modern history began in the mid-19th century with the arrival of Charles Lux, a butcher from San Francisco. Lux established a vast ranch and, with his partner Henry Miller, formed Miller & Lux, a significant livestock company. Their operation drove thousands of cattle from the Central Valley to the Bay Area, feeding them on the Baden ranch, located right here in what is now South San Francisco. The meatpacking industry truly put South San Francisco on the map. Gustavus Swift recognized the potential of this location, near San Francisco with access to both water and rail transportation. He established the Western Meat Company in 1892. South San Francisco rapidly transformed into a bustling industrial hub, attracting businesses like brick companies, pottery works, and the paint manufacturer W.P. Fuller & Company.
The city’s industrial character is proudly displayed on Sign Hill. The iconic sign proclaiming “South San Francisco, The Industrial City” became a National Register of Historic Places landmark in 1996. It stands as a testament to the city’s crucial role in the regional economy, especially during the World Wars. South San Francisco wasn’t just about industry, however. Even in its early days, it boasted a hotel, a Carnegie Library, schools, churches, and a hospital. The city also had a reputation for its lively social scene. From bustling Grand Avenue to the Baden Kennel Club, a greyhound racing track that operated in the 1930s, there was always something happening in South San Francisco.
The Great Depression and World War II brought economic hardships and changes. The Edwards Wire Rope Company played a crucial role in the construction of the Golden Gate Bridge. Shipbuilding became a vital industry. After the war, South San Francisco underwent a transformation. Heavy industry declined. Lighter industries, warehousing, office parks, and residential areas became the new focus. The most dramatic shift occurred in 1976 with the arrival of Genentech. This pioneering biotech company earned South San Francisco a new title: “The Birthplace of Biotechnology.”
Today, South San Francisco is a thriving center of biotech innovation, home to companies like Genentech and Amgen. It has become a desirable residential area as well. Modern housing developments have sprung up, attracted by the city’s proximity to San Francisco and the vibrant biotech industry. So, as we stand here in South San Francisco, we’re not just in “South City,” but in a city that embodies a remarkable blend of industrial history and cutting-edge innovation. From the ancient Ohlone settlements to the rise of biotechnology, South San Francisco’s story is a testament to its resilience, resourcefulness, and its ability to reinvent itself time and time again.