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

Ina Donna Coolbrith

Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, December 12, 2020

1. Ina Donna Coolbrith Marker

Inscription.
Born Nauvoo, Illinois, March 10th, 1841
Died Oakland, California, Feb. 28th, 1928

First White child to enter California by Beckwourth Pass, in first covered wagon-train traveling that route, September 1852.

Thirty-two years a librarian, friend and counselor to three generations of California writers.

Inscribed on Roll of Honor, Native Daughters of the Golden West, June 11, 1915.

Given the honorary title "Loved Laurel-Crowned Poet of California", April 21, 1919 by act of State Legislature. First Poet Laureate in America.

Erected 1947 by Native Daughters of the Golden West San Francisco Parlors.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Settlements & Settlers • Women. In addition, it is included in the Native Sons/Daughters of the Golden West series list.

Location. 37° 47.884′ N, 122° 24.819′ W. Marker is in San Francisco, California, in San Francisco City and County. It is in Russian Hill. It is on Taylor Street north of Broadway, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker

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is in this post office area: San Francisco CA 94133, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is on California’s Coast Ranges.

It is also on the American Pacific Coast.

Globally, it is in North America,

on the Ring of Fire,

in the Pacific Rim,

in the Western Hemisphere,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain

and also Mexico’s Alta California.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Russian Hill (within shouting distance of this marker); On Lok House (approx. 0.2 miles away); Octagon House (approx. 0.2 miles away); Tina Modotti (approx. 0.2 miles away); Engine Co. 31 Firehouse (approx. 0.2 miles away); Frank Marini (approx. ¼ mile away); San Francisco Cable Car System (approx. ¼ mile away); Sambado Liquors (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in San Francisco.

Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker.

Also see . . .
1. Ina Coolbrith (Wikipedia). "Ina Donna Coolbrith (March 10, 1841 –

Ina Donna Coolbrith Marker - wide view image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, December 12, 2020

2. Ina Donna Coolbrith Marker - wide view

The marker is visible here mounted to a medium-sized boulder at the entrance to Ina Coolbrith Park.

February 29, 1928) was an American poet, writer, librarian, and a prominent figure in the San Francisco Bay Area literary community. Called the "Sweet Singer of California", she was the first California Poet Laureate and the first poet laureate of any American state." (Submitted on December 13, 2020.)

2. Ina Coolbrith (Oakland Wiki). "Ina Donna Coolbrith (March 10, 1841–February 29, 1928) was born Josephine Donna Smith, the niece of Mormon founder Joseph Smith. Her family came to California and was led over the Sierra Nevada by African American mountain man Jim Beckwourth, with Ina riding on Beckwourth’s horse. Her mother started using her maiden name to avoid association with Joseph Smith and Mormonism, and Ina followed suit, also shortening Josephine to just Ina.... Ina is probably best known as a poet, and as the first California Poet Laureate. But she was also the first librarian of the Oakland Free Library (the 2nd public library in California; Eureka’s was first), and befriended and mentored 10-year-old Jack London (he called her his “literary mother”), and also mentored a young Isadora Duncan.

Ina Coolbrith image. Click for full size.

Photo by Roseti (courtesy of the California State Library), circa 1895

3. Ina Coolbrith

Alas, the affections of Isadora’s father for Ina may have led to the breakup of his marriage....Ina was also an honorary member of the Bohemian Club, had her portrait taken in later years by a young Ansel Adams, and was friends with Joaquin Miller (and helped him gain global fame). Her circle of poet and writer friends also included Bret Harte and Ambrose Bierce...." (Submitted on December 13, 2020.)

Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on December 13, 2020, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 903 times since then and 73 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on December 13, 2020, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California.