Historically , the Western Addition was first platted during the 1850s as a result of the Van Ness Ordinance . This large tract encompassed some 500 blocks running west from Larkin Street ( the city 's previous western boundary ) to Divisadero Street , ( hence the name " Western Addition " ) creating Jefferson Square , Hamilton Square , Alamo Square , Alta Plaza , and Lafayette Square . The area was initially used for small-scale farming ; but , following the invention of the cable car during the 1870s , the Western Addition developed as a Victorian streetcar suburb . It survived the 1906 San Francisco earthquake with its Victorian-style buildings largely intact
1906 San Francisco earthquake
1906 San Francisco earthquake
Western Addition, San Francisco