Lotta's Fountain
Geary St & Kearny Street
Lotta's Fountain is perhaps San Francisco's most iconic civic symbol of resilience and community spirit. Located at the crucial intersection of Market, Kearny, and Geary Streets, this landmark has served as the city's unofficial rallying point for over a century. More than just a fountain, it’s where San Franciscans gather to commemorate tragedy, celebrate survival, and connect with the unshakable heart of the city.
A Gold Rush Gift, A City's Anchor
Lotta’s Fountain, 1914.
In 1875, entertainer Lotta Crabtree, the highest-paid actress in the nation and ‘Belle of Broadway’, donated the cast-iron fountain to San Francisco to show her admiration to the city that made her a star. Though originally intended to serve as a watering trough, its true legacy was cemented in the wake of the devastating 1906 Earthquake and Fire. As one of the few standing landmarks, Lotta’s Fountain served as the central point for organized relief efforts and became the city's rallying cry for recovery.
The Annual 1906 Earthquake Memorial
Every year, in the dark hours before dawn on April 18th, citizens gather at Lotta's Fountain to commemorate the anniversary of the 1906 disaster. This solemn but inspiring tradition honors the victims and survivors, reinforcing the city's enduring spirit of recovery and community solidarity. The location is chosen specifically because of its vital role in the aftermath of the event.
Programming
Examples of Previous Events and Programming
What's Nearby
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