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.

[2061 Guard House at the Presidio, SF] Intersection of Sheridan Avenue and Graham St. Cannon, cannonballs, soldiers standing on porch. Part of re-located Alameda gate at right.