An exceptional carte de visite (CDV) by Bayley & Cramer’s Fine-Art Gallery, showcasing a stunning view of San Francisco’s plaza circa 1860s. The foreground highlights landscaped gardens with walkways and carefully placed trees, set against the backdrop of bustling buildings housing various businesses. Inscribed along the image border is a notation identifying this as the location of the U.S. Army recruitment headquarters. The reverse bears the photographer’s detailed mark, including the address and their affiliation with Maguire’s Opera House. This CDV captures a pivotal moment in San Francisco's post-Gold Rush development, providing a glimpse into the architectural and social dynamics of the era. The clear image quality and detailed photographer’s imprint make this a historically significant artifact for collectors of California history or Civil War-era memorabilia.