As late as 1844, San Francisco was a small village of approximately fifty inhabitants, known as Yerba Buena. Upon the discovery of gold in 1848, the settlement became the heart of the mining activities and this brought many adventurers into the area. By 1850, San Francisco had a population of 25,000.

In 1850, California became the 31st State of the Union. Also, in 1850, Joseph Alemany became Bishop of Monterey (California). On his trip from Europe to California, he stopped in Paris to request the Daughters of Charity for his diocese. It was decided that he would make his request anew at Emmitsburg, Maryland where it was agreed that an establishment of the sisters would take place sometime in the future.

In 1852, Archbishop Alemany of San Francisco, while in Baltimore, renewed his request for an establishment of sisters. The Council of the Daughters of Charity (Emmitsburg) decided to send sisters to California. Seven sisters were named for the distant mission of San Francisco. They were Sisters Francis McEnnis, Corsina McKay, Ignatia Green, Honorine Goodman, Fidelis Buckley, Sebastian Doyle and Bernice Williams.

At this time the railroads did not crisscross the country and a journey to California could only be made by stage or steamer. The journey from Emmitsburg to San Francisco was not only long and weary but also dangerous. These seven sisters boarded a steamer and sailed from New York to Panama on July 6, 1852. When they arrived on the Atlantic side, it was necessary to cross the Isthmus on mules. The road was narrow in places and difficult for the animals to find their footing. After they had crossed the Isthmus and arrived on the Pacific side, two sisters, Honorine and Ignatius, died of cholera and were buried in Panama City. After losing their companions and meeting many delays, the five survivors boarded another steamer and sailed on to San Francisco where they arrived on August 18th (42 days after their departure from New York).

At last, after many trials, this small group of sisters reached San Francisco. It had been a difficult journey and they were relieved to reach its end, but many more difficulties were to face them in this new rugged country. Yet they were to draw great strength and new energy from their adventure. Sister Francis McEnnis was the leader of this colony of sisters in San Francisco. Here, they established an orphanage and school and later an infant home and infirmary.

The Daughters of Charity have provided more than 150 years of continuing service to the people of San Francisco.