Supervisor Chan advocates for Lincoln Park's landmark designation honoring Chinese immigrant history

The San Francisco County government meeting held on July 4, 2025, focused on the proposed landmark designation for Lincoln Park, a site with deep historical significance tied to the City Cemetery, which served as a burial ground for various ethnic communities from 1870 until the early 1900s. The meeting began with Supervisor Chan expressing gratitude for the opportunity to honor the stories of immigrants who contributed to the city's development, emphasizing the importance of preserving their history.

Supervisor Chan detailed the historical context of Lincoln Park, highlighting that it was once the City Cemetery, where an estimated 20,000 individuals were buried, including a significant number of Chinese immigrants. The cemetery was transformed into a park and golf course in the early 20th century, but many remains were left undisturbed beneath the surface. Chan noted that the Gongzhou Finuary Chapel, the last remaining structure associated with the cemetery, symbolizes the intersection of Chinese culture and San Francisco's history.

Mr. Woody Labonte from San Francisco Heritage presented additional historical insights, explaining the cemetery's establishment and the various ethnic sections it contained. He noted that while many bodies were relocated, thousands remain buried at the site, and the park currently lacks adequate memorialization of this history.

Several supervisors expressed their support for the landmark designation, with Supervisor Pestin and Supervisor Mar both requesting to be added as co-sponsors of the initiative. They acknowledged the importance of recognizing the contributions of diverse communities in San Francisco, particularly in light of rising anti-Asian sentiment.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to ensure that the landmark designation would not interfere with existing recreational activities at Lincoln Park. The Planning Department confirmed that the designation would allow for the maintenance of the golf course and other park activities.

Overall, the meeting underscored a collective effort to honor the rich cultural heritage of San Francisco's immigrant communities while addressing community concerns regarding the park's use. The proposed landmark designation aims to create a space for remembrance and education about the city's diverse history.