The Castro in San Francisco City and County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Harvey Milk
The Mayor of Castro Street
It was from his apartment above the shop that Harvey first ran for public office in 1974; he continued to live there even after he was elected to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors in 1977. He won his seat by earning the support gays, lesbians, teamsters, firefighters, construction unions, and everyday working people. He successfully led the campaign to defeat a state-wide ballot initiative of ban GLBT people from teaching in California. Just three-weeks after that victory, he and Mayor George Moscone were assassinated at City Hall. The camera shop closed shortly after Harvey's death in 1978.
Harvey Milk was more than simply a successful politician; he was the first openly gay man in the nation elected to a major public office. Harvey personified a new reality that many people now had to recognize: that a GLBT person living an honest and open life could succeed.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Civil Rights • Government & Politics • Industry & Commerce • Labor Unions • Railroads & Streetcars.
Location. Marker has been permanently removed. It was located near 37° 45.585′ N, 122° 26.081′ W. Marker was in San Francisco, California, in San Francisco City and County. It was in The Castro. Marker was on Castro Street near 19th Street, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker was at or near this postal address: 575 Castro Street, San Francisco CA 94114, United States of America.
We have been informed that this sign or monument is no longer there and will not be replaced. This page is an archival view of what was.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location. A different marker also named Harvey Milk (here, next to this marker); Gertrude Stein (a few steps from this marker); Randy Shilts (a few steps from this marker); Christine Jorgensen (within shouting distance of this marker); Harry Hay (within shouting distance of this marker); Keith Haring (within shouting distance of this marker); Sylvester (within shouting distance of this marker); Frida Kahlo (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in San Francisco.
More about this marker. This marker is on the door of former Castro Camera store.
Also see . . . The Official Harvey Milk Biography - Milk Foundation. Harvey Milk believed that government should represent individuals, not just downtown interests, and should insure equality for all citizens while providing needed services. He spoke for the participation of LGBT people and other minorities in the political process. (Submitted on November 21, 2016, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.)
Additional keywords. LGBT, LGBTQ
Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on November 21, 2016, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 379 times since then and 15 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on November 21, 2016, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.