We know about the life of Zero Thomas, thanks to an amazing discovery at a landfill. Thomas was an African American soldier stationed at the Presidio around 1870. And through his trove of papers, we can tell his story living as a black family in the early days of San Francsisco.

View south to old Guardhouse at intersection of Sheridan Avenue and Graham St. (replaced in 1900 by new guardhouse at north end of parade ground, which became Presidio Visitor Center). Cannon, cannonballs, soldiers standing on porch. Re-located former Alameda entrance gate at right. [2061 Guard House at the Presidio, SF]