Aquatic Park Historic District facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Aquatic Park Historic District |
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San Francisco Maritime Museum
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| Location | San Francisco, California |
| Architect | Works Progress Administration |
| Architectural style(s) | Streamline Moderne |
| Governing body | National Park Service |
| Designated | January 26, 1984 |
| Reference no. | 84001183 |
| Designated | May 28, 1987 |
| Official name: Entrance of the San Carlos into San Francisco Bay | |
| Designated | 1936 |
| Reference no. | 236 |
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The Aquatic Park Historic District is a special place right on the San Francisco Bay waterfront in San Francisco, California. It's part of the larger San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park. This district is so important that it's recognized as a National Historic Landmark.
This cool area includes a sandy beach, a historic bathhouse, a long pier, and even some old speaker towers. It's a great spot to learn about history and enjoy the bay!
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Discovering Aquatic Park's History
The main building in the Aquatic Park Historic District is the San Francisco Maritime Museum. It was originally built in 1936 as a bathhouse, a place where people could change and get ready to swim. The Works Progress Administration (WPA), a government program that created jobs during the Great Depression, built it.
The Maritime Museum Building
The museum building has a unique "streamline moderne" style, which was popular in the 1930s. Inside, you'll find amazing, colorful murals that tell stories. One room, called the Steamship Room, shows how ships changed from using wind power to steam power. You can also see old tools like whaling guns and beautiful scrimshaw, which are carvings made on whalebone or ivory.
Exploring the Lagoon and Pier
Right in front of the Maritime Museum is a man-made lagoon. This lagoon was created where an area called Black Point Cove used to be. Black Point is a small hill nearby in Fort Mason. The lagoon has a sandy beach and a strong concrete wall along its edge.
To the west, there's a big, horseshoe-shaped pier called the Municipal Pier. It's a great place to walk and enjoy views of the bay. South of the lagoon, you'll find a grassy spot called Victorian Park. This park is where the famous Hyde Street cable car turns around.
A Landmark of National Importance
The Aquatic Park Historic District was officially named a National Historic Landmark in 1987. This means it's a place with special historical importance to the entire country. It was also added to the National Register of Historic Places on January 26, 1984.
Visiting the Park and Its Beach
You can find the park at the end of Polk Street. It's just a short walk from the visitor center and the Hyde Street Pier. The beach at Aquatic Park is known for being one of the cleanest beaches in California. It's a perfect spot for a sunny day!
Honoring the San Carlos Ship
Near the corner of Beach and Larkin streets, there's a special marker. It's California Historical Landmark marker No. 236. This marker honors the Spanish ship San Carlos. On August 5, 1775, the San Carlos became the first known European ship to sail into San Francisco Bay. It was a very important moment in the bay's history!
Images for kids
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A beautiful view of the lagoon at sunset
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A wide view showing the park, Telegraph Hill, Coit Tower, and Fisherman's Wharf
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The front of the San Francisco Maritime Museum building
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The entrance to the historic Aquatic Park Bathhouse
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The long, curved Municipal Pier
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Black Point in San Francisco, pictured around 1888
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