Yerba Buena was a small port and settlement located in California, originally established in the early 19th century. In 1846, during the Mexican-American War, American forces seized control of the area. By 1847, U.S. military officials recognized the need to enhance the settlement’s identity, thus prompting a formal name change to San Francisco. The name San Francisco refers to Saint Francis of Assisi, which was originally given to the area by Spanish colonizers. The decision was not only a renaming but also a reflection of the growing Anglo-American presence and aspirations within the territory. Shortly after the name change, San Francisco began to flourish, especially with the influx of people drawn by the California Gold Rush that began in 1848. This transformation from a modest settlement to a major port city illustrated the rapid changes occurring in California brought about by exploration and migration during the mid-19th century. The name change symbolized a new era and was vital for the economic and social development of the area, setting the stage for San Francisco to become one of the most significant cities on the West Coast.