Irish Hill (San Francisco) facts for kids
Irish Hill was a small neighborhood in San Francisco, California. It was home to many working-class families and single people. The neighborhood was located near 22nd Street and Illinois Avenue. Over time, the hill it sat on was removed. This happened because local iron and steel factories needed more space. So, Irish Hill disappeared in the late 1800s and early 1900s.
What Was Irish Hill?
Irish Hill was a community built on a hill about 250 feet tall. This is about as high as a 25-story building! You could reach the neighborhood by a wooden staircase at Illinois and 20th streets. From there, it stretched all the way to the San Francisco Bay.
Who Lived on Irish Hill?
The neighborhood started in the 1860s. Many of its first residents were immigrants from Ireland. It had about 60 small houses. There were also about 40 boarding houses and hotels. Most people living there were working-class Irish. Many were single men. They worked in nearby factories like Union Iron Works or Pacific Rolling Mills. These factories were in an industrial area called the Dogpatch.
One important place was the Union Hotel. It was run by a man named Frank McManus. He was known as the "King of Irish Hill." This meant he was a very influential person in the neighborhood. He helped solve problems and represented the community.
The End of Irish Hill
Irish Hill was eventually removed in two main steps. The first step happened in the 1880s. Workers dug up parts of the hill to get dirt and rocks. This material was used to fill in land under a long bridge. Today, this area is where 3rd Street is located.
The second step began in 1897. More digging and even dynamite were used. This was done to clear space for the Union Iron Works to grow. Later, another big company, Bethlehem Steel, also expanded there. By 1918, the tall hill had become a small mound. It was less than 50 feet high. The neighborhood of Irish Hill was gone.
