Financial District in San Francisco City and County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Bummer and Lazarus

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, August 10, 2012

1. Bummer and Lazarus Marker

Inscription. Bummer and Lazarus were two stray dogs who roamed this part of San Francisco in the 1860s. Their devotion to each other endeared them to the citizenry, and the newspapers reported their joint adventures, whether stealing a bone from another dog, uncovering a nest of rats or stopping a runaway horse. Though authorities destroyed other strays on sight, the city permitted these two to run free. Indeed, they were welcomed, regular customers at popular eating and drinking establishments on Montgomery Street. Contrary to common belief, they were not Emperor Norton's dogs. They belonged to no one person. They belonged to San Francisco. When Lazarus died in October of 1863 (followed by Bummer in November, 1865), a reporter for the “Bulletin” described them thus: “Two dogs with but a single bark, two tails that wagged as one.”

Erected 1992 by E Clampus Vitus, Yerba Buena Chapter No. 1.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Animals. In addition, it is included in the E Clampus Vitus series list. A significant historical month for this entry is October 1863.

Location. 37° 47.718′ N, 122° 24.144′ W. Marker is in San Francisco, California, in San Francisco City and County. It is in the Financial District.

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Marker can be reached from Washington Street, on the right when traveling east. This marker is located in Transamerica Redwood Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 535 Washington Street, San Francisco CA 94111, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Montgomery Block (within shouting distance of this marker); The San Francisco Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (within shouting distance of this marker); Site of Ship Niantic (within shouting distance of this marker); Western Headquarters of Russell, Majors, and Waddell (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Commander John B. Montgomery's Landing Site (about 300 feet away); Bank of Italy (about 300 feet away); The Black Cat Café (about 300 feet away); Birthplace of Freemasonry in California (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in San Francisco.

Regarding Bummer and Lazarus. Bummer and Lazarus were two stray dogs that roamed the streets of San Francisco between 1861 and 1865. They became famous for their expertise at killing the rats that infested the city in those days, and for their unique bond of friendship.

Also see . . .
1. Bummer and Lazarus: Street Dogs and Friends. America comes alive entry. (Submitted on October 21, 2020, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)

2. "Exit Bummer" - twainquotes.com

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, August 10, 2012

2. Bummer and Lazarus Marker

. "In fact, Bummer should have died sooner: there was a time when his death would have left a lasting legacy of fame to his name. Now, however, he will be forgotten in a few days. Bummer's skin is to be stuffed and placed with that of Lazarus." (Submitted on August 13, 2012, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.)

Transamerica Redwood Park image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, August 10, 2012

3. Transamerica Redwood Park

“Three Bummers” image. Click for full size.

Cartoon by Edward Jump, circa 1861

4. “Three Bummers”

The Emperor of the United States, Norton I, with Bummer and Lazarus.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on August 13, 2012, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 1,220 times since then and 35 times this year. It was the Marker of the Week July 7, 2013. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 13, 2012, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. 4. submitted on July 6, 2013. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.