Built 1875 SFDL # 73 Opened 1875 Added to NRHP 20 June 1975 | NRHP Reference # 75000475 Designated SFDL 1975 Area 400 m² | |
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Location Market, Geary, and Kearny Sts., San Francisco, California Address Kearny St, San Francisco, CA 94105, USA Similar Wave Organ, Lafayette Park, Mexican Museum, Palace Hotel - San Francisco, Washington Square | ||
Lotta s fountain
Lotta's fountain is a historical fountain located at the intersection of Market Street, where Geary and Kearny Streets connect in downtown San Francisco, California.
Contents
1906 great san francisco earthquake fire 106th anniversary lotta s fountain market street 2012
History
The cast-iron fountain, commission by actress Lotta Crabtree as a gift to the city of San Francisco, was dedicated September 9, 1875. During its centennial it designated both a San Francisco Designated Landmarks and the U.S National Historic Places.
A plaque commemorates its role as a meeting point in the aftermath 1906 San Francisco earthquake and fire. Another plaque mentions legendary opera soprano Luisa Tetrazzini, who sang for the people of San Francisco at the fountain on Christmas Eve, 1910. The bronze column was added in 1916 to match the height of new lights being installed along Market Street.
It was relocated from its original location at 3rd, Market and Kearny in 1974 during the renovation of Market Street. In 1999 the fountain, neglected, was totally refurbished to its 1875 appearance, repainted a metallic gold-brown. Its lion's-head spigots flow during daytime hours.
In 1919, a commemoration of the earthquake was started that still occurs annually. The South of Market Boys, a fraternal drinking organization, hung a wreath on the fountain. Since then, survivors of the earthquake gathered every year at 5:12 a.m. on April 18 at the intersection. After the 2015 anniversary, the last two survivors of the earthquake died. In 2016, the tradition continued as more than 200 participants, many in period costuming, gathered to commemorate all victims of the earthquake and to draw attention to earthquake preparedness.