Financial District in San Francisco City and County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
The Montgomery Block
This, San Francisco’s first fireproof building erected in 1853 by Henry Wager Helleck, was the headquarters for many outstanding lawyers, financiers, writers, actors and artists. James King of William, editor of the Bulletin, died here after being shot by James Casey, May 14, 1856. Escaping destruction in the fire of 1906, the building is preserved in memory of those who lived and worked in it.
Plaque below The Montgomery Block marker.
1853 – 1959
Erected by California State Park Commission in Cooperation with the Society of California Pioneers. (Marker Number 80.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Buildings. In addition, it is included in the California Historical Landmarks, and the Pony Express National Historic Trail series lists. A significant historical date for this entry is May 14, 1835.
Location. 37° 47.725′ N, 122° 24.187′ W. Marker is in San Francisco, California, in San Francisco City and County. It is in the Financial District. Marker can be reached from Montgomery Street near Washington Street, on the left when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 600 Montgomery Street, San Francisco CA 94111, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Black Cat Café (within shouting distance of this marker); Western Headquarters of Russell, Majors, and Waddell (within shouting distance of this marker); Bummer and Lazarus (within shouting distance of this marker); Birthplace of Freemasonry in California (within shouting distance of this marker); First Jewish Religious Services (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Commander John B. Montgomery's Landing Site (about 300 feet away); Bank of Italy (about 300 feet away); Pony Express (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in San Francisco.
More about this marker. This marker is currently located in the north lobby of the Trans-America Building. It was originally placed on the Montgomery Block building which was demolished in 1959.
Regarding The Montgomery Block. Built in 1853 as the largest commercial building west of the Mississippi, the huge brick Montgomery Block building served initially as studios and apartments for writers including Mark Twain, Bret Harte, Ambrose Bierce, Robert Louis Stevenson, Jack London, George Sterling, and Emma Goldman. The building miraculously survived the San Francisco earthquake and fire of 1906.
Also see . . . "New Deal Artists and Programs During the Depression". (San Francisco) Found entry featuring the Montgomery Block (Submitted on November 11, 2020, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on December 19, 2013, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 682 times since then and 47 times this year. Last updated on December 11, 2019, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on December 19, 2013, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.