Hudson’s Bay Company Headquarters!

Bill
Hudson's Bay Company Headquarters
Landmark #819 San Francisco County Visited: February 23, 2013 Plaque?  YES! 🙂
What is it? A plaque on the side of a building!
What makes it historical? THE GUIDE SAYS: On this block, then on Yerba Buena’s waterfront, stood the California headquarters of the Hudson’s Bay Company. Their chief trader, William G. Rae, purchased the property and started operations in 1841. This venture caused wide speculation about British intentions. Inadequate profits, a declining fur catch, and pressure of U.S. expansion caused Hudson’s Bay Company to end its California operations.

OTHER TIDBITS: Believe it or not, the Hudson’s Bay Company actually got its start in 1670 by royal charter issued by King Charles II of England! Its presence in America was primarily in Canada and Oregon Territory, but by the spring of 1841, the company turned its sights south!
There, it dealt in British goods and California tallow and hides, until Mr. Rae cheated on his wife and shot himself from humiliation! The British vice-consul stepped in and shut down the store, selling it to the firm of Mellus & Howard for $5,000!
How can I Help the Helpers? HERE’S HOW:

  • Become a member of Westerners International!
  • Donate to the California Historical Society!
  • Be a responsible visitor! Please respect the signs and pathways, and treat all structures and artifacts with respect. They’ve endured a lot to survive into the present. They’ll need our help to make it into the future!
Where is this place? LISTED DIRECTIONS:
505 Montgomery between Sacramento and Commercial Sts
San Francisco, CA 94111

ANNOTATIONS:
605 Commercial Street
San Francisco, CA 94111

From Los Angeles: ~380mi (612km) — 6.4hrs
From Sacramento: ~87mi (141km) — 1.5hrs
From San Diego: ~500mi (805km) — 8.4hrs
From San Francisco: ~3mi (5km) — 0.1hrs
When should I go? Whenever the mood strikes you!

Click here to see more California historical landmarks!

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