During California 's early statehood period , in the 19th and 20th century , large numbers of Irish and German immigrant workers moved into the area . Around 1900 , the Mission District was still one of San Francisco 's least densely populated areas , with most of the inhabitants being white families from the working class and lower middle class who lived in single-family houses and two-family flats . Development and settlement intensified after the 1906 earthquake , as many displaced businesses and residents moved into the area , making Mission Street a major commercial thoroughfare . In 1926 , the Polish community of San Francisco converted a church on 22nd Street and Shotwell Street and opened its doors as the Polish Club of San Francisco ; it is referred to today as the " Dom Polski " , or Polish Home . The Irish American community made its mark on the area during this time , with notable residents such as etymologist Peter Tamony calling the Mission home . During the 1940-1960s , a large number of Mexican immigrants moved into the area — displaced from an earlier " Mexican Barrio " located on Rincon Hill in order to create the western landing of the Bay Bridge — initiating white flight , giving the Mission a heavily Chicano/Latino character for which it continues to be known today . During the 1960s , Central American immigration has contributed to a Central American presence that outnumbers Mexicans since the 1960s
1906 earthquake
1906 San Francisco earthquake
Mission District, San Francisco