Montgomery Block facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Montgomery Block |
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The Montgomery Block in 1862
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| Location | 628 Montgomery Street, San Francisco |
| Reference no. | 80 |
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The Montgomery Block was a famous building in San Francisco, built way back in 1853. It was special because it was one of the first buildings in the city designed to be fireproof and strong enough to survive earthquakes. This building became a popular spot for artists, writers, and thinkers, often called a "Bohemian center," from the late 1800s to the mid-1900s. It stood at 628 Montgomery Street, where the tall Transamerica Pyramid stands today.
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The Montgomery Block: A San Francisco Landmark
The Montgomery Block was a four-story building constructed in 1853. It was built by Henry Wager Halleck, who later became a general in the Union Army during the Civil War. People sometimes called it the Monkey Block.
Built to Last
When it was built, the Montgomery Block was the tallest building west of the Mississippi River. It was designed by an architect named G.P. Cummings. Some people in San Francisco even called it "Halleck's Folly" because it was built on a special foundation made of redwood logs. This unique design helped it stand strong.
The building was very well-built. It famously survived the massive 1906 earthquake and fire that destroyed much of San Francisco. This showed how strong and well-designed it truly was.
A Home for Artists and Thinkers
The Montgomery Block was a hub for many important people. It housed famous lawyers, bankers, writers, actors, and artists. Many well-known visitors also spent time there. These included writers like Jack London, George Sterling, Frank Norris, Ambrose Bierce, Bret Harte, and Mark Twain. Performers like Lola Montez and Lotta Crabtree also visited. It was truly a place where creative minds gathered.
Its Legacy Lives On
Sadly, the Montgomery Block was torn down in 1959. Even though people wanted to save it, it was replaced first by a parking lot, and later by the Transamerica Pyramid.
Despite its demolition, the building is still remembered for its important role in San Francisco's history. It was a special place for artists and writers. In 1998, when he became the Poet Laureate of San Francisco, Lawrence Ferlinghetti spoke about the "classic old Montgomery Block building" as the "most famous literary and artistic structure in the West." Today, the spot where the Montgomery Block once stood is recognized as a California Historical Landmark.
