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| Landmark #875 | San Francisco County | Visited: February 23, 2013 | Plaque? YES! 🙂 |
| What is it? | The Old United States Mint still stands! |
| What makes it historical? | THE GUIDE SAYS: This is San Francisco’s second mint (1869). California’s only such Federal Greek Revival structure. Due to unsurpassed productivity, it became a sub-treasury in 1874. Intact after the 1906 disaster, it served as a clearinghouse bank, thus aiding in the city’s reconstruction. Closed in 1937, it was restored in 1972-1976 by Mint Director Mary Brooks
OTHER TIDBITS: This mint was designed by A.B. Mullett, who was also behind the Old State Building and War & Navy Building in Washington, D.C.! With Gold Rush money pouring out of the Sierra foothills, this mint’s production skyrocketed, and after 1873, when the Coinage Act passed through Congress, it became the central depot of all gold and silver products on the Pacific Coast! Its iron shutters and dedicated fire-fighting employees helped keep its treasures safe during the great earthquake and fire of 1906! This landmark is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places! |
| How can I Help the Helpers? | HERE’S HOW:
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| Where is this place? | LISTED DIRECTIONS: 88 5th St at Mission St San Francisco, CA 94103 ANNOTATIONS: From Los Angeles: ~386mi (622km) — 6.5hrs |
| When should I go? | The old mint is still being refurbished and is not open for tours yet! |
