I understand that San Francisco county has changed its boundaries several times, most notably in regards to the southern border with San Mateo County. I also understand the boundary with Marin County was adjusted in the 1850s as part of a larger redrawing. That information is widely available. But I have never seen an account of why the city and county's *northern* boundary stretches all the way to Red Rock (just south of Richmond-San Rafael Bridge). Are you aware of any published material on the decision to include the enormous triangle of bay between Red Rock, Angel Island, and San Francisco proper within the city and county limits? Any suggestions for state or local primary sources on this decision?

I can imagine that it had to do with controlling anchorages and shipping rights of way, but I would love a more complete discussion.

Many thanks

-- Matthew Booker (mbooker@stanford.edu), June 15, 2001

Answers

Red Rock (aka Golden Rock) is discussed in : _California County Boundaries_ by Owen C. Coy. Publication of the California Historical Survey Commission, 1923.

Not sure that there is the detail you are looking for but it would be a reference to check if you haven't done so.

Best of luck,

Carolyn

-- carolyn feroben (sweetwater@sierratel.com), November 27, 2001.

This is the story my father told me, when I was a kid: Red Rock contains some kind of valuable ore, maybe copper--hence the color. Ships used to always stop there after emptying their loads, and dig up some of the red ore for ballast. After a while they started taking more and more of the ore; it was more valuable than the cargo they had delivered. Soon all the counties wanted a piece of the action and (I recall him saying) that eventually San Francisco and two other counties all had a part of the island. He also said that the Federal government eventually claimed the whole island. I have no idea how much of this is true, since I've never heard anyone else mention it until now.

-- Perry (perry_lake@mindspring.com), October 07, 2003.