List of Landmarks and Historic Places in San Francisco facts for kids
San Francisco, California, is a city full of amazing history! All around the city, you can find special places that are called landmarks or historic places. These are buildings, areas, or even objects that are important because of their history, their unique design, or what happened there. They help us remember the past and understand how the city grew.
This article will tell you about some of these cool places in San Francisco. They are recognized by different groups, like the national government, the state of California, and the city of San Francisco itself. Some places are so special that they appear on more than one list!
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National Historic Treasures
The United States government helps protect places that are important to the whole country. They have two main ways to do this:
National Historic Landmarks
These are places that are super important to the history of the United States. They might be where a big event happened, or they could be a special building designed by a famous architect. San Francisco has 18 of these amazing landmarks. They are like national treasures!
National Register of Historic Places
This is a longer list of places that are important to local, state, or national history. Being on this list means a place is worth saving and protecting. San Francisco has 182 places on the National Register. This includes many historic homes, businesses, and neighborhoods.
Engineering Marvels
Did you know that some bridges, buildings, and machines are so well-designed that they become landmarks?
- The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) recognizes 3 Civil Engineering Landmarks in San Francisco. These are structures like bridges or dams that show amazing engineering skill.
- The ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers) also recognizes 3 Mechanical Engineering Landmarks. These might be old machines or power systems that were very important in their time.
California's Special Places
The state of California also has its own list of important historic sites. These are places that tell the story of California's past, from its early days to more recent times.
California Historical Landmarks
There are 48 places in San Francisco that are officially recognized as California Historical Landmarks. These sites help us learn about the state's history, including the Gold Rush, early settlements, and important cultural events. For example, Old Saint Mary's Cathedral is one of these landmarks. It was built in 1854 and was the first cathedral in California.
San Francisco's Local History
The city of San Francisco itself also works hard to protect its own unique history. They have lists of places that are important to the city's story and character.
San Francisco Designated Landmarks
The city has named 261 places as San Francisco Designated Landmarks. These can be individual buildings, like Jack's Restaurant, which has been around for a very long time. These landmarks help keep the city's unique look and feel alive.
San Francisco Landmark Districts
Sometimes, it's not just one building that's important, but a whole area! San Francisco has 12 Landmark Districts. These are neighborhoods or groups of buildings that together tell an important story about the city's past. Protecting these districts helps keep the history of entire areas safe.
