Dolores Heights in San Francisco City and County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Heber Cady Tilden Memorial
Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, June 2, 2025
1. Heber Cady Tilden Memorial Marker
In memory of
Heber Cady Tilden
On April 22, 1906, at the intersection of 22nd and Guerrero streets, Heber C. Tilden, a Red Cross Society volunteer during the Great Earthquake and Fire of 1906, was accidently shot and killed while driving his auto by members of the "citizens' patrol."
This plaque placed on this site
by members of Phoenix Lodge, No. 144
Free and Accepted Masons of the State of California
on the 100th anniversary of Brother Tilden's Death.
Dedicated April 22, 2006
Erected 2006 by Phoenix Lodge No. 144 Free and Accepted Masons.
Topics. This historical marker and memorial is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Fraternal or Sororal Organizations. A significant historical date for this entry is April 22, 1906.
Location. 37° 45.306′ N, 122° 25.378′ W. Marker is in San Francisco, California, in San Francisco City and County. It is in Dolores Heights. It is at the intersection of 22nd Street and Guerrero Street, on the left when traveling west on 22nd Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1001 Guerrero Street, San Francisco CA 94110, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker and memorial 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 Mexicos Alta California.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Golden Hydrant (approx. 0.3 miles away); Mexico's Liberty Bell (A Replica) (approx.
this page online
Also see . . . The Unfortunate Killing of Heber Tilden by "Volunteer Police." (Museum of the City of San Francisco). Excerpt:
After the great catastrophe, one of the first citizens to volunteer his services to the Red Cross Society was Mr. Heber Tilden, a prominent merchant and a man of great popularity because of his kindly disposition. He worked night and day with his large automobile, carrying invalids to places of shelter from the storm then raging.(Submitted on June 3, 2025.)
On the evening of April 22 he tore himself away from this work for the purpose of visiting his own family in the neighborhood of San Mateo, a few miles from San Francisco. He used his automobile for this purpose, and was accompanied by Acting Lieutenant Seamansof the Signal Corps.Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, June 2, 20252. Heber Cady Tilden Memorial - wide view, looking toward the intersection
After leaving his family he and Seamans returned to San Francisco, reaching Twenty- fourth and Guerrero streets about midnight. A large Red Cross flag was flying from the machine at the time, and Tilden was acting as his own chauffeur. At this point some men in civilians' clothes called "halt," but as the machine drew nearer and they observed the flag it was permitted to pass.
At Twenty-second street three other men called out "halt," but Tilden, believing that they would see his flag as he drew nearer, paid no attention to the command and passed on. Someone on the corner then began firing a revolver and Seamans responded, emptying his revolver. 'While Seamans was firing, Tilden fell forward, mortally wounded, and Seamans was also wounded. The machine was stopped and the men on the corner hurried up to it and then learned the result of the shooting.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 3, 2025. It was originally submitted on June 3, 2025, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 162 times since then and 16 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 3, 2025, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California.
