The space was designated by the city as public park land in 1858, but it was not until 1902 that the park was built. This coincided with a period of rapid development of homes in the surrounding area, now known as the Duboce Park Landmark District. The 1906 earthquake and fire devastated much of San Francisco; however, the Duboce Park area was relatively undamaged and the park was used as a refuge camp for a year for displaced citizens.