San Francisco's Market Street

Market Street forms the vertebrae of San Francisco. First surveyed in 1847 by Jasper O’Farrell, the boulevard was laid out to provide a transition between two opposing grids. Intended to become the city’s main and widest thoroughfare, it rapidly became the busiest.

In the mid 19th century, San Francisco was regarded as the most developed western American outpost of urbanity, sophistication and refinement. By the conclusion of the century, its reputation rivaled many East Coast cities. Market...