Lotta's Fountain facts for kids
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Lotta Crabtree Fountain
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 Location in San Francisco County
Location in California
Location in the United States
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| Location | Market, Geary, and Kearny Sts., San Francisco, California |
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| Area | 0.1 acres (0.040 ha) |
| Built | 1875 |
| NRHP reference No. | 75000475 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | June 20, 1975 |
Lotta's Fountain is a famous fountain located in downtown San Francisco, California. You can find it where Market, Geary, and Kearny Streets all come together.
A famous actress named Lotta Crabtree gave this fountain as a gift to the city in 1875. It became a very important meeting place after the big 1906 San Francisco earthquake and fire.
Contents
History of Lotta's Fountain
The Lotta's Fountain is made of cast-iron. Actress Lotta Crabtree paid for it as a present for San Francisco. It was officially opened on September 9, 1875.
Later, the fountain was named a special San Francisco Landmark. It also became part of the U.S. National Historic Places.
A Meeting Place After the Earthquake
The fountain played a very important role after the terrible 1906 San Francisco earthquake and fire. Many people used it as a safe meeting spot. They gathered there to find loved ones or get information.
A special plaque on the fountain remembers this important time. It reminds everyone how the fountain helped the city during a difficult period.
Luisa Tetrazzini's Performance
Another plaque on the fountain tells a cool story about an opera singer. Her name was Luisa Tetrazzini. She was a famous soprano.
In 1910, she couldn't perform on a stage because of some legal issues. So, on Christmas Eve, she sang for the people of San Francisco right at the fountain! It was a memorable performance for everyone.
Changes and Updates
In 1916, a bronze column was added to the fountain. This was done to make it as tall as the new lights on Market Street.
The fountain was moved in 1974. This happened when Market Street was being updated. In 1999, the fountain was fixed up to look like it did in 1875. It was painted a shiny gold-brown color. Today, water flows from its lion's-head spigots during the day.
Remembering the Earthquake Annually
Every year, people gather at the fountain to remember the 1906 earthquake. This tradition started in 1919. A group of friends called the South of Market Boys began hanging a wreath on the fountain.
For many years, survivors of the earthquake would meet there. They would gather at 5:12 a.m. on April 18, the exact time the earthquake hit. After the 2015 anniversary, the last two survivors passed away.
Even without survivors, the tradition continues. In 2016, over 200 people gathered. Many dressed in old-fashioned clothes. They came to remember the earthquake victims and to remind everyone about being ready for future earthquakes.
See also
In Spanish: Fuente de Lotta para niños
