San Francisco, from California and Powell Street 1864

Carleton E. Watkins's 1864 photograph, "San Francisco, from California and Powell Street," captures a sweeping vista of the city's early development. The image showcases a dense grid of buildings, a prominent church steeple, and a glimpse of the bay. The photographer's vantage point, high above the city, provides a unique perspective on the burgeoning metropolis, highlighting the city's steep hills and growth along its waterfront. Watkins's detailed depiction of San Francisco's early urban landscape is a valuable historical document and an iconic example of 19th-century American photography.