San Francisco holds an abundance of history. From being the home of Alcatraz Island’s 29-year tenure as an unassailable federal penitentiary to local struggles for justice such as internment of Japanese Americans during World War II.
Many historic landmarks have been preserved and can now be booked for meetings and events.
Spanish Settlement
San Francisco stands on a series of hills atop filled-in marshland at the mouth of one of the Pacific’s largest natural harbors and boasts a long and rich history of military power, wealth creation, progressive culture and advanced technology. This city offers something fascinating for every generation to come – its past is as fascinating as its present!
In 1776, Spanish Emperor Carlos III felt his California colonies were being threatened by English privateers and Russian whalers, so he swiftly established a port at Yerba Buena (original name), ordering an expedition to set up missions there and at Dolores.
Mission settlements were intended to spread Christianity and an agrarian civilization among Alta California’s indigenous populations, secularizing their culture quickly while welcoming them as productive taxpaying citizens of Spain. Each mission included its own presidio, military garrison and prison to maintain order; this central control would help deter British or Russian attacks against its ports.
Gold Rush
Gold’s discovery in California on January 1848 set off one of the greatest mass migrations ever seen in United States history, drawing hundreds of thousands from all corners of America and around the globe to California and forming a multiethnic society on its frontier.
James Marshall, working as a carpenter at Sutter’s Mill for pioneer John Sutter, noticed what looked like gold flecks in the American River. To be certain that they were real, Marshall conducted some basic tests such as biting them and hitting them with a hammer before notifying Sutter of his discovery.
Women were not excluded from joining the Gold Rush – in fact many ran hotels, restaurants and brothels for a living as part of the California Gold Rush experience. California provided women with opportunities for adventure and independence they were otherwise unlikely to find elsewhere in America. Many places listed on NoeHill are historic districts recognized either nationally (National Register of Historic Places) or locally (California Historical Landmarks), all having some connection with its aftereffects or aftermath relating directly or indirectly to this period in history.
World War II
Frank Lloyd Wright designed this home for Aline Barnsdall as part of the Barnsdall Art Park, and when built, housed the largest theater on the West Coast.
After 100 years, this historic site commemorates America’s involvement in World War II – which ultimately resulted in victory for Allied powers and adoption of the UN charter.
As it began when Germany invaded Poland on September 1, 1939 and started invading, Great Britain and France declared war shortly thereafter; by 1945 Allied forces had devastated industrial areas in Germany while also defeating Vichy France forces that supported German troops to withdraw from Morocco and Algeria; coastal defense batteries on Point Lobos near San Francisco had also been decommissioned in 1943 but have become popular skateboarding spots among local residents.
Lotta’s Fountain
Lotta Crabtree made her fortune entertaining Gold Rush miners at their camps, and never forgot the city that helped her prosper. In 1875 she donated this ornate fountain (three times larger than herself) to San Francisco. It survived the 1906 earthquake and served as downtown San Francisco’s water source until corruption prevented plans from connecting it with hydrants.
At its center was a pillar with two attic bases with bands of fluted and floral relief bands alternating fluted fluted relief, side globes, and three lilies in their stems; at its apex was a small basin for dogs and trough for horses.
Lotta’s Fountain is an iconic feature at the corner of Market, Geary and Kearny streets in San Francisco. ARG Conservation Services provided comprehensive conservation treatment to Lotta’s Fountain which included dismantling, cleaning, refurbishing and reassembling after being disassembled for refurbishment in 1998 – now becoming a favorite photo op for visitors and photo opportunities for ARG Conservation Services staff! ARG Conservation Services provided intensive conservation treatments including deep cleaning; removal of heavier stains using solvents/degreasers; repair of cracks/scrapes and losses of paint to keep this landmark looking its best!
