mn_hunters_point_0003_jc1.jpgWhy is it called “Hunters Point?”

According to common lore (aka, Wikipedia and various SF History blogs), Hunters Point was named for a wealthy family that lived in the area during the 19th century. I did some more research: turns out the original Hunters were actually a pair of brothers – “experienced New York real estate agents” – who were hired to sell the development:

“During the last quarter of 1849 the land was advertised but did not sell. This was in part because the area was considered too remote from the city of San Francisco, a perception that affected development for 90 years. The Hunters continued to live on the point and were joined by a third brother, John, and his family. Although feuding and legal battles clouded the Hunters’ claim to the area, by 1858 the land bore the name Hunter’s Point. Both the apostrophe and the “s” have been dropped at various times. Today common usage retains the “s” but drops the apostrophe.”

For more information, check out this official US Navy paper: HISTORICAL OVERVIEW OF HUNTERS POINT ANNEX TREASURE ISLAND NAVAL BASE

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