Mount Olympus (San Francisco) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mount Olympus |
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Mount Olympus viewed from Tank Hill in 2020
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| Type | Open space park |
| Location | San Francisco, California |
| Area | 1,000 sq yd (840 m2) |
| Elevation | 553 feet (169 m) |
| Operated by | San Francisco Recreation & Parks |
Mount Olympus is a special hill located in the Ashbury Heights neighborhood of San Francisco. It stands on Upper Terrace and was once thought to be the exact geographical center of the city. This means it was considered the middle point of San Francisco on a map.
For many years, Mount Olympus was topped with a grand statue called Triumph of Light. This statue was a gift from a famous person named Adolph Sutro. Sadly, the statue is now gone, and only its base, called a pedestal, remains. Today, the view from the top of Mount Olympus is mostly blocked by tall trees and buildings.
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Mount Olympus: A San Francisco Landmark
Mount Olympus is a well-known hill in San Francisco. It's not just a natural feature; it also has a unique history. The hill is part of the city's open space parks, managed by San Francisco Recreation & Parks.
Where is Mount Olympus?
This hill is found in the Ashbury Heights area. It's a residential neighborhood known for its beautiful homes. Mount Olympus sits at an elevation of about 553 feet (168 meters) above sea level. This makes it one of the higher points in the city.
The Lost Statue: Triumph of Light
For a long time, a magnificent statue stood proudly on Mount Olympus. It was called the Triumph of Light. This statue showed a figure holding a torch, symbolizing progress and enlightenment. It was a very important landmark for the city.
The statue was placed there in 1887. It was meant to be a beacon, visible from many parts of San Francisco. However, over time, the statue disappeared. No one is exactly sure what happened to it. Today, only the stone base where it once stood can be seen.
Who was Adolph Sutro?
The Triumph of Light statue was a gift from Adolph Sutro. He was a very important and wealthy person in San Francisco's history. Sutro was a businessman, a politician, and a philanthropist. A philanthropist is someone who gives money and time to help others.
Sutro was also the 24th mayor of San Francisco. He was known for building the Sutro Baths, a large public swimming complex. He also owned vast amounts of land in the city. He wanted to make San Francisco a better place for everyone.
What Can You See Today?
While the famous statue is gone, Mount Olympus still offers a glimpse into San Francisco's past. The remaining pedestal is a reminder of the hill's historical importance. From the top, you can still get some views of the surrounding neighborhood.
However, the growth of trees and new buildings has changed the landscape. This means the wide, open views that people once enjoyed are now mostly hidden. Even so, Mount Olympus remains a significant spot in the city's history and geography.
