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

Birthplace of Freemasonry in California

Freemasons Site Marker image. Click for full size.

1. Freemasons Site Marker

Inscription.
Birthplace of Freemasonry in California.
Historical Landmark No. 408.

second marker:
This site marks the birthplace of Freemasonry in California.
At this location on October 17, 1849 the first meeting of Free and Accepted Masons in the Golden State was held by California Lodge No. 1, F.&A.M.

Erected by State of California; and Freemasons Lodge No. 1. (Marker Number 408.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Fraternal or Sororal Organizations. In addition, it is included in the California Historical Landmarks series list. A significant historical date for this entry is October 17, 1849.

Location. 37° 47.766′ N, 122° 24.198′ W. Marker is in San Francisco, California, in San Francisco City and County. It is in North Beach. It is on Montgomery Street north of Washington Street, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 728 Montgomery St, San Francisco CA 94111, 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: First Jewish Religious Services (a few steps from this marker); The Black Cat Café (within shouting distance of this marker); The Banking Firm of Pioche et Bayerque (within shouting

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distance of this marker); Site of the Bank of Lucas, Turner & Co. (within shouting distance of this marker); Hotaling Building (within shouting distance of this marker); The Montgomery Block (within shouting distance of this marker); The Salvation Army (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); 56 Gold Street (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in San Francisco.

Regarding Birthplace of Freemasonry in California. In 1948 this was designated California Historical Landmark No. 408 - Site of the First Meeting of the Freemasons held in California. “On November 9, 1849, a charter was granted by the Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia for the organization of California Lodge No. 13, now California Lodge No. 1 of the Free and Accepted Masons. On November 23, 1848, Levi Stowell was appointed master of the new lodge, and on November 15, 1849, the lodge was formally organized under the charter.”

Known as the Genella Building, this is San Francisco Landmark No. 10. After it was damaged by the 1989 Loma Prieta Earthquake, it was gutted and rebuilt as apartments. Only the façade was saved. The historical

courtesy San Francisco Public Library

2. Freemasons Site Marker

markers were removed, and have not yet been replaced.

Photographed by Craig Baker

3. Freemasons Site Marker

Freemasons Site image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Craig Baker

4. Freemasons Site

Credits. This page was last revised on December 3, 2024. It was originally submitted on February 1, 2024, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. This page has been viewed 572 times since then and 42 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on February 1, 2024, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California.