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California Historical Landmark 760: Laurel Hill Cemetery Site

Discover the poignant history of San Francisco's former Laurel Hill Cemetery, a 'city of the dead' transformed into a vibrant neighborhood, marked by a California Historical Landmark.

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The California Historical Landmark 760, marking the site of the former Laurel Hill Cemetery, offers a poignant glimpse into San Francisco's past. Once a sprawling 'city of the dead,' Laurel Hill served as the final resting place for thousands of San Francisco pioneers, influential figures, and everyday citizens from 1854 until the early 20th century. Driven by the city's growth and changing attitudes towards urban cemeteries, the site was eventually decommissioned, and the remains were moved primarily to Cypress Lawn Cemetery in Colma. Today, the landmark serves as a reminder of the city's evolving landscape and the stories of those who shaped its history. While the headstones are gone, the historical marker invites reflection on the lives and legacies of those who once called this place their final home, offering a unique perspective on San Francisco's development and cultural heritage. The surrounding Laurel Heights neighborhood, now a vibrant residential area, stands in stark contrast to its somber past, making the landmark a compelling point of interest for history enthusiasts and those seeking a deeper understanding of San Francisco's layered narrative.

A brief summary to California Historical Landmark 760: Laurel Hill Cemetery Site

  • QHP2+QM, San Francisco, Laurel Heights, California, 94118, US

Local tips

  • Combine your visit with a stroll through the upscale Laurel Heights neighborhood, known for its boutiques and cafes.
  • Consider visiting Cypress Lawn Cemetery in Colma to see the Laurel Hill Mound, where most of the remains were reinterred.
  • Check out the Western Neighborhoods Project website for historical photos and articles about Laurel Hill Cemetery.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    The most convenient way to reach the California Historical Landmark 760: Laurel Hill Cemetery Site is by using San Francisco's Muni bus system. From various points in the city, take the 1-California bus line. This line runs directly along California Street, with stops very close to the intersection of California Street and Presidio Avenue, where the landmark is located. A single ride on Muni costs $3.00 if paying with cash, or $2.75 if using a Clipper card or the MuniMobile app. The Clipper card can be obtained at various locations around the city and loaded with funds. A day pass, allowing unlimited rides on Muni (excluding cable cars), is available for $5.00, which might be worthwhile if you plan to use public transport extensively during your visit.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services (Uber/Lyft) provide a direct and convenient option to reach the California Historical Landmark 760: Laurel Hill Cemetery Site. Simply input 'California Street and Presidio Avenue, San Francisco' as your destination. From popular tourist areas like Union Square or Fisherman's Wharf, a taxi or ride-share will typically cost between $15 and $25, depending on traffic and demand. Be aware that prices can surge during peak hours. The journey usually takes around 15-25 minutes, depending on the starting point and traffic conditions.

  • Walking

    If you are already in the Laurel Heights or Presidio Heights neighborhood, walking to the California Historical Landmark 760: Laurel Hill Cemetery Site is a viable option. The landmark is located at the intersection of California Street and Presidio Avenue. From the Laurel Village Shopping Center (California Street at Laurel Street), walk east along California Street for approximately 4 blocks. From the intersection of Sacramento Street and Presidio Avenue, walk one block south on Presidio Avenue to California Street. The landmark is easily accessible on foot and allows you to explore the surrounding neighborhood at your own pace.

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Discover more about California Historical Landmark 760: Laurel Hill Cemetery Site

Laurel Hill Cemetery, once a prominent landmark in San Francisco, stands today as a California Historical Landmark, a silent testament to the city's evolving history and its complex relationship with mortality. Established in 1854 as Lone Mountain Cemetery, it quickly became the primary burial ground for a burgeoning city grappling with the rapid growth and social upheaval of the Gold Rush era. The cemetery, sprawling across what is now the Laurel Heights neighborhood, was envisioned as a 'rural' or 'garden' cemetery, a tranquil and aesthetically pleasing space where families could honor their deceased loved ones amidst lush greenery and elaborate monuments. Designed with winding lanes and avenues named after prominent East Coast cemeteries, Laurel Hill reflected the Victorian era's fascination with death and mourning. It served as the final resting place for an estimated 35,000 individuals, a diverse cross-section of San Francisco society, including pioneers, politicians, artists, entrepreneurs, and ordinary citizens. Among those interred here were notable figures such as U.S. Senator David Broderick, California Governor John McDougal, cable car inventor Andrew Hallidie, and educator Kate Kennedy, each contributing to the city's rich tapestry of history and culture. As San Francisco continued to expand, the cemetery's location became increasingly problematic. By the late 19th century, residential development encroached upon the once-remote site, and concerns arose regarding public health and land use. The growing sentiment against urban cemeteries culminated in a 1900 ordinance banning further burials within city limits. Laurel Hill, along with other cemeteries in the area, faced an uncertain future. The final chapter of Laurel Hill Cemetery began in 1937 when the San Francisco Board of Supervisors ordered the removal of all burials from the site. Over the next several years, a massive undertaking ensued to disinter and relocate the remains to Cypress Lawn Cemetery in Colma, a newly established necropolis south of the city. While some families chose to move their loved ones to private plots, the vast majority of remains were reinterred in a mass grave known as Laurel Hill Mound at Cypress Lawn. Today, the site of the former Laurel Hill Cemetery is occupied by the residential neighborhood of Laurel Heights, a bustling commercial area, and the UCSF Laurel Heights campus. The only visible reminder of its past is the California Historical Landmark 760 marker, a simple plaque that belies the complex history buried beneath. The landmark invites contemplation on the lives of those who shaped San Francisco, the changing attitudes towards death and remembrance, and the city's relentless pursuit of progress. Visiting the Laurel Hill Cemetery Site offers a unique opportunity to connect with San Francisco's past. Standing at the corner of California Street and Presidio Avenue, one can imagine the sprawling cemetery that once dominated the landscape, the elaborate monuments that adorned the hillsides, and the countless stories of those who found their final rest here. While the physical remains are gone, the historical marker serves as a portal to a bygone era, a reminder of the city's origins and the individuals who contributed to its unique character. The surrounding Laurel Heights neighborhood, with its elegant homes and tree-lined streets, provides a stark contrast to the cemetery's somber past. Yet, the presence of the historical marker ensures that the memory of Laurel Hill Cemetery endures, inviting reflection on the cyclical nature of life and death, and the enduring power of history to shape our understanding of the present. The landmark is a poignant reminder that even in the midst of urban development, the stories of the past continue to resonate, offering valuable insights into the forces that have shaped San Francisco into the vibrant and dynamic city it is today. Exploring the Laurel Hill Cemetery Site is not merely a historical exercise; it is an opportunity to engage with the human stories that lie beneath the surface of the modern city. It is a chance to honor the memory of those who came before us, to acknowledge their contributions, and to reflect on our own place in the ongoing narrative of San Francisco. The landmark serves as a powerful reminder that history is not just a collection of dates and events, but a living, breathing force that continues to shape our world in profound ways. By taking the time to visit and contemplate the significance of this site, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the complexities of San Francisco's past and its enduring legacy.

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