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

Site of General Pershing’s Quarters

Presidio of San Francisco

Photographed by Douglass Halvorsen, July 26, 2025

1. Site of General Pershing’s Quarters Marker

Inscription.
Dedicated to the Memory of
General of the Armies
John J. Pershing

This Flagpole Marks the Site of the
Quarters Occupied by General Pershing

Ernest G. Becker-Colonna - Sculptor

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Military.

Location. 37° 47.904′ N, 122° 27.541′ W. Marker is in San Francisco, California, in San Francisco City and County. It is in Main Post. It is on Arguello Boulevard, on the left when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 97 Arguello Boulevard, San Francisco CA 94129, 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: North West Corner of Original Presidio

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(within shouting distance of this marker); Outpost of an Empire (within shouting distance of this marker); Pershing Square (within shouting distance of this marker); Establishment of the Presidio of San Francisco (within shouting distance of this marker); Ammunition Magazine (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Old Stone Powder Magazine (about 300 feet away); Oldest Adobe Building in San Francisco (about 300 feet away); Old Post Chapel (about 400 feet 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 . . . John Pershing. A biography of General Pershing that includes an excerpt of his time at Presidio and tragic loss of most of his family.

On January 13, 1914, General Pershing took command of the 8th Infantry Brigade at the Presidio of San Francisco. It wasn't long, however, before tensions along the Mexican border forced the 8th Infantry to be transferred to Fort Bliss, Texas.

While her husband was away, Mrs. Pershing and the four children remained at the family's two-story Victorian house at the
Photographed by Douglass Halvorsen, July 26, 2025

2. Site of General Pershing’s Quarters Marker
View of marker looking south towards the Officers' Quarters, the oldest adobe building in San Francisco.
Presidio. Tragedy struck on Friday, August 27, 1915, when hot coals spilled from the hearth of the Pershing home and onto the highly waxed floor. The house was quickly consumed by flames; Frances and her three daughters—aged eight, seven, and three—perished in the blaze. Only five year-old Warren survived after being rescued by Pershing's long-time black orderly. Visiting the site, Pershing could only comment, "They had no chance."

(Submitted on September 20, 2025, by Douglass Halvorsen of Klamath Falls, Oregon.)

Photographed by Douglass Halvorsen, July 26, 2025

3. Site of General Pershing’s Quarters Marker

Closeup of the metal relief below the plaque.

Photographed by Douglass Halvorsen, July 26, 2025

4. Site of General Pershing’s Quarters Marker

View of the flagpole looking north, along with two historic 17th century Spanish cannons on either side of the flagpole.

The Pershing House image. Click for full size.

Photographed by National Park Service, August 27, 1915

5. The Pershing House

The Pershing house at the Presido after the deadly 1915 fire. Pershing's son Warren was the only child to survive the blaze; he was rescued through the window indicated by the arrow.

Credits. This page was last revised on September 20, 2025. It was originally submitted on September 20, 2025, by Douglass Halvorsen of Klamath Falls, Oregon. This page has been viewed 71 times since then and 23 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on September 20, 2025, by Douglass Halvorsen of Klamath Falls, Oregon. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.