SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO THE INDUSTRIAL CITY

What comes to mind when you hear “The Industrial City”? Here, at the foot of Sign Hill, in South San Francisco, that nickname isn’t just a catchy phrase. It’s etched in massive concrete letters, a testament to a rich and transformative history. South San Francisco, or “South City” as the locals call it, has always been a city of reinvention, a place where grit and ingenuity meet opportunity. The story of South San Francisco begins long before the factories, even before the arrival of Europeans. Archaeological evidence points to settlements on nearby San Bruno Mountain dating back 5,000 years. The Ohlone people, originally called Costanoans, thrived here, hunting, fishing, and gathering. Their shell mounds, or middens, remain a silent echo of their presence. The late 19th century marked a dramatic shift. Gustavus Swift, the meatpacking magnate, envisioned a West Coast hub in South San Francisco. He saw the potential of the location: close to San Francisco, accessible by water and rail, and with prevailing winds that would carry the less desirable byproducts of meat processing out over the bay. The South San Francisco Land and Improvement Company, with backing from Swift and others, began developing the area. The Western Meat Company was established in 1892, and soon other industries followed, drawn by the promise of this burgeoning industrial center. South San Francisco quickly became a magnet for factories. The Steiger Terra Cotta and Pottery Company, the Baden Brick Company, and the W. P. Fuller Paint Oil and Lead Company, among others, set up shop. The “Industrial City” was born, and its nickname, first whitewashed on Sign Hill in 1923, became a permanent fixture in 1929. The city’s iconic sign, with its 60-foot concrete letters, became a powerful symbol of the city’s identity and a testament to its industrial prowess. South San Francisco’s journey didn’t end with smokestacks and steel. The post-war era saw a shift toward lighter industries and residential development. Then, in 1976, Genentech, a pioneering biotech company, set up shop, ushering in a new chapter. This event earned South San Francisco yet another moniker: the “Birthplace of Biotechnology.” Today, South San Francisco is home to hundreds of biotech companies, continuing its legacy of innovation and transformation. So, as you stand here, gazing up at the SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO THE INDUSTRIAL CITY sign, remember, it represents more than just a nickname. It’s a story of adaptation, resilience, and the constant pursuit of new beginnings. It’s a story that continues to be written in the labs and offices that now define South San Francisco’s skyline.