William A. Leidesdorff: A Successful Boat Pilot, Merchant & Entrepreneur

In 1841, William A. Leidesdorff piloted the schooner, Julia Ann, from Boston to Yerba Buena – a Mexican village that was later renamed San Francisco.

A pioneer of the Golden State, Leidesdorff was the first African American Consul, and held the position of treasurer of the city of San Francisco.

He was a successful merchant, and he frequently made trips from his home state of California to both Mexico and Hawaii.

Leidesdorff also launched many businesses, including the first steamboat in the San Francisco Bay.