San Francisco's Fisherman's Wharf (CA) (Images of America)

Fisherman's Wharf is San Francisco's top tourist destination, but its history is much richer and more important than today's quaint attractions suggest. Indeed, many of these well-known sights were developed only in the last few decades. The early wharf, originally known as Meigg's Wharf, was once the main port of entry to San Francisco and an extremely industrious place. Lumber, food, and immigrants all arrived here, and railroads came right to the water's edge to pick up building supplies for the rapidly growing city. Hardworking fishermen, both Chinese and Italian (who were often accompanied by their wives), set out to make a living by catching fish and crab in small vessels built at the wharf.