Mount Davidson (California) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Mount Davidson
Mount Davidson as seen from Forest Hill Extension
Highest point
Elevation	928 ft (283 m) NAVD 88
Prominence	627 ft (191 m)
Listing	San Francisco Hills California county high points 57th
Geography
Mount Davidson Location in San Francisco County Show map of San Francisco County Mount Davidson Location in San Francisco Bay Area Show map of San Francisco Bay Area Mount Davidson Location in California Show map of California Mount Davidson Location in the United States Show map of the United States
Location	San Francisco, California U.S., United States
Topo map	USGS San Francisco South
Climbing
Easiest route	Hike

Mount Davidson is the highest natural point in San Francisco, California. It stands tall at 928 feet (283 meters) above sea level. This important hill is located near the middle of the city. You can find it south of Twin Peaks. It is also west of Diamond Heights and Glen Park. Mount Davidson is one of San Francisco's many famous hills.

The most famous part of Mount Davidson is its large concrete cross. This cross is 103 feet (31 meters) tall. It sits right on top of the hill. Every year on Easter, a special prayer service is held here. The cross is lit up for this event. Also, on April 24, a yearly event remembers the Armenian genocide.

Mount Davidson Park covers most of the hill. The very top part, where the cross is, is privately owned. The park is located between Myra Way, Dalewood Way, and Juanita Way. You can get to the park by public transport. The 36 Teresita Muni bus stops near the park entrance. The neighborhoods around the park are Miraloma Park, Westwood Highlands, and Sherwood Forest.

History of Mount Davidson

The land that is now Mount Davidson was bought in 1881 by Adolph Sutro. After he passed away, the highest of the San Miguel hills was named "Mount Davidson." This was done to honor George Davidson. He was a founding member of the Sierra Club.

In 1911, A.S. Baldwin bought the western side of the mountain. He also bought land to the north and south. Baldwin then started planning new neighborhoods. These included St. Francis Wood, Westwood Park, and Sherwood Forest.

The Famous Cross

The cross atop Mount Davidson

The first cross on Mount Davidson was built in 1923. It was 40 feet tall and made for a special service. Another cross, 87 feet tall, was built in 1924. Sadly, it burned down in 1925. In 1926, a nearly 100-foot cross was built. It was lit up for a week before Easter. But it also burned down in 1928.

In 1929, a new 80-foot cross was built. It was made of wood and stucco and had lights. That same year, the city of San Francisco bought 20 acres at the top of Mount Davidson. This land became a park. Funds for the park were given by the Mount Davidson Conservation Committee. Mrs. A. S. Baldwin also gave 6 more acres to the city. In 1931, the 1929 cross was burned down by people who set fires on purpose.

Building the Permanent Cross

In 1933, leaders like Mayor Angelo Rossi wanted a permanent cross. They wanted to honor the early California pioneers. The current concrete and steel cross was finished in 1934. It stands 103 feet (31 meters) tall. President Franklin D. Roosevelt even helped light the cross. He did this by sending a telegraph signal from the White House. This happened on March 24, 1934, just before Easter.

Special sunrise services are held at the cross every Easter. These services were even broadcast across the country for many years.

The Cross in Movies

The Mount Davidson cross has appeared in movies. Director Don Siegel filmed a scene from the 1971 movie Dirty Harry here. In the movie, the character Harry enters the park. He then confronts the villain "Scorpio" at the base of the cross. Filming was tricky because of the cross's height and foggy weather. The film crew had to wait for clear skies to get the shot.

Debates and Ownership

The cross has been part of many discussions in San Francisco. People have debated its religious meaning versus its role as a historic landmark. In 1991, some groups sued the city. They felt the city should not own a religious symbol on public land. After a long legal process, the city decided to sell the land with the cross.

In 1997, the city sold 0.38 acres of land, including the cross, to the highest bidder. The Council of Armenian American Organizations of Northern California bought the cross for $26,000. They placed a bronze plaque at its base. This plaque remembers the victims of the 1915 Armenian genocide. In 2007, the 160-pound plaque went missing. It was never found. A new replacement plaque was put in place in 2008.