Union Square in San Francisco City and County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
The Mechanics’ Institute
The Gold Rush Trail
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, February 10, 2014
1. The Mechanics’ Institute Marker
Founded in 1854 for the ‘diffusion of knowledge at the least possible expense to the seeker’, the Institute’s Library and Chess Room and its literary and social activities are intertwined with the history of San Francisco and California. James Lick and Sam Brannan were among the Institute’s early benefactors. Andrew S. Hallidie, inventor of the cable car and president from 1868 to 1877, arranged to hold the first classes for the University of California at the Institute. Early Institute membership attracted engineers, architects, artists, furniture makers, photographers, and inventors, all of whom were proud to be called ‘mechanics’ in nineteenth-century parlance. The Institute’s international exposition form 1857 to 1899 promoted California’s economy. From 1882 to 1906, the Mechanic’s pavilion at the Civic Center served as the City’s auditorium. Since 1866 the Institute has owned the property on which this building stands. Designed by Albert Pissis and completed in 1910, it replaces the Institute’s earlier three-story building that was destroyed in the earthquake and fire of 1906. Membership in this center for educational and cultural activities is open to the public. (Marker Number 6.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Education. A significant historical year for this entry is 1854.
Location. 37°
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Dr. Jose P. Rizal (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); California Admission Day (about 400 feet away); Luisa Tetrazzini (about 400 feet away); Hobart Building (about 400 feet away); William Randolph Hearst (about 500 feet away); Sharon Building (about 600 feet away); The Montgomery (about 700 feet away); San Francisco Mining Exchange (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in San Francisco.
Also see . . .
1. Mechanic's Institute History. Institute website:
It was organized in 1854 when San Francisco was a frontier community far removed from anywhere by a small group of citizens as a center for adult technical education. For five years, gold was the economic backbone of the town, but the ore of the Sierra placers began to run out. Shipping and trade were in a state of decline and at one point, one half of the city's population was unemployed. (Submitted on February 17, 2014, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.)
2. Barbary Coast Trail. Trail website:
Tour San Francisco's official trail
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, February 10, 2014
2. The Mechanics’ Institute Marker
The marker is to the right of the entrance.
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, February 10, 2014
3. The Mechanics’ Institute Building
Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on February 17, 2014, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 429 times since then and 22 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on February 17, 2014, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.
