Portsmouth Square

Portsmouth Square is a one-block plaza in Chinatown, established in the early 19th century during the period of Mexican California. Originally known as Plaza de Yerba Buena, it was renamed after the USS Portsmouth following the U.S. conquest. It is the first park in San Francisco, predating both Washington Square (1847) and Union Square (1850). The park is bounded by Kearny Street, Washington Street, Clay Street, and Walter Lum Place. As a historic public plaza, it serves as a gathering space for the community.