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

Mark Hopkins Hotel

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, January 14, 2014

1. Mark Hopkins Hotel Marker

Inscription. The Mark Hopkins Hotel was conceived, financed and built by Comstock Lode mining engineer George D. Smith who operated it from its opening in December 1926 through January 1962. He directed the evolution of the hotel from a semi-residential to a transient operation without losing its luxurious character. In May 1939 he created the world famous and much copied “Top of the Mark”.

In 1924 he built the Canterbury Hotel and operated it for four years and in 1929 bought the Fairmont Hotel which he operated for twelve years.

A modest man, George D. Smith was a tireless hotel and civic leader known for initiative, resourcefulness and never-failing kindness.

Erected by The Smith Family.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1926.

Location. 37° 47.506′ N, 122° 24.63′ W. Marker is in San Francisco, California, in San Francisco City and County. It is in Nob Hill. Marker is on California Street near Mason Street, on the left when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 999 California Street, San Francisco CA 94108, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Site of the Mark Hopkins Institute of Art (here, next to this marker); I Left My Heart in San Francisco

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(within shouting distance of this marker); Huntington Park/Fountain of the Tortoises (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Unsung Heros (about 700 feet away); Crocker Mansions (approx. 0.2 miles away); Metropolitan Club (approx. 0.2 miles away); Miles Archer (approx. 0.2 miles away); Robert Louis Stevenson (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in San Francisco.

Also see . . . OnThe Mark - Forbes. Death. Lust. Wealth. Natural disaster. The history of San Francisco’s Mark Hopkins Hotel goes back 127 years and reads like a good, old-fashioned bodice-ripper. (Submitted on January 23, 2014, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.)

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, January 14, 2014

2. Mark Hopkins Hotel Marker

This marker is the right-most plaque.

Mark Hopkins Hotel image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, January 14, 2014

3. Mark Hopkins Hotel

Entrance to the Mark Hopkins Hotel image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, January 14, 2014

4. Entrance to the Mark Hopkins Hotel

Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on January 23, 2014, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 507 times since then and 26 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on January 23, 2014, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.