San Francisco is rich with history, and one of the best ways to enjoy its splendor is to explore these historical spots. Whether exploring independently or joining a guided tour, you will undoubtedly gain new knowledge about this incredible city.
From an iconic prison to an octagonal house, these locations boast rich local histories.
Fort Point
The Golden Gate Fort is the oldest and most impressive masonry fort in America, constructed during the California Gold Rush as America’s strongest deterrent against seaborne attacks on San Francisco from abroad. Though its guns never fired in anger during battle, this landmark structure managed to outlive Civil War battles, obsolescence, earthquake damage, bridge construction projects and finally preservation as a National Historic Site.
As soon as you step inside the fort, you’re transported back to the 1800s. Its walls are 10 feet (3 meters thick), creating an enormously impressive building – well worth visiting if you are nearby and admission is free!
The Odd Fellows Columbarium
Hidden away among mid-20th century pastel homes lies this remarkable coloumbarium – built in 1898 by the Odd Fellows fraternal organization to hold cremated remains urns, designed by Bernard J.S. Cahill in neoclassical style rotunda and separate crematorium building. It stands as an amazing monument of San Francisco history.
As San Francisco expanded, real estate interests pushed to move cemeteries out of city limits and onto Greenlawn Cemetery in Colma; The Odd Fellows provided voluntary exhumations services and relocation. Unclaimed gravestones were crushed and used as seawall at Aquatic Park.
As soon as the Odd Fellows ceased offering burial lots, its condition declined rapidly. In 1980, however, the Neptune Society purchased and renovated it; Emmitt Watson became its primary caretaker and tour guide.
Balboa High School
Balboa High School, commonly referred to by its shorthand nickname of “Bal”, is an American public high school located in San Francisco’s Excelsior District and serving grades 9 through 12 within the San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD). It was named in honor of 16th century Spanish explorer Vasco Nunez de Balboa and bears his name.
Balboa students participated in an impressive range of extracurricular activities during its early 1920’s years. Students could engage in basketball, baseball, cheerleading, cross country running, flag football soccer and track and field – with approximately 1/3 of students participating in one or more sports activities.
Balboa students took advantage of an expansive music and drama program. Orron Qualls, a legendary coach who led his teams to many inter-mural and regional titles during his time there, was revered among them all.
The Legion of Honor
The Palace of the Legion of Honor is a fine arts museum featuring works and artifacts from around the globe, such as European decorative arts, paintings and ancient art pieces as well as an impressive array of Auguste Rodin sculptures like his Thinker sculpture.
The museum, established by Alma de Bretteville Spreckels as a memorial to California soldiers killed during World War I, stands in Lincoln Park in San Francisco’s northwestern part. It offers stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge.
The Museum Cafe is an ideal spot for grabbing a bite to eat, offering tasty dishes such as BBQ chicken, country fried steak and BBQ pork spareribs. Additionally, all COVID-19 safety protocols are strictly observed here.
The Presidio
The Presidio National Park is an intriguing national park packed with history and outdoor fun. Starting as a Spanish garrison until its final demilitarization in 1994, this historical site has witnessed the transfer of West Coast sovereignty between nations, California’s Gold Rush era, military aviation, as well as every major US foreign war since Mexico-America War through Vietnam.
Fort Point remains true to its military legacy by featuring base arches of the Golden Gate Bridge and four gun batteries that give this park its name (Blarney, Baldwin, Slaughter, and Sherwood). You’ll also find numerous historic buildings here in its Main Post including an example of Beaux-Arts architecture at Officers’ Club as well as weekend craft projects for kids!
