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| Landmark #841 | San Francisco County | Visited: Sept. 1, 2013 | Plaque? YES! 🙂 |
| What is it? | The Conservatory of Flowers is still actively growing! |
| What makes it historical? | THE GUIDE SAYS: California’s first municipal greenhouse was completed in 1879. Patterned after The Conservatory, Kew Gardens, England, it was a distinguished example of late Victorian style using early techniques of mass production and assembly of simple glass units. It was given to the City of San Francisco by public-spirited citizens.
OTHER TIDBITS: This is the oldest public wood-and-glass conservatory in North America! Its parts originally belonged to a wealthy businessman named James Lick, who wanted to build a conservatory on his estate. Unfortunately, he died before it could be built, so his trustees put the pieces up for sale! Two of its purchasers were Leland Stanford and Charles Crocker, two of the Big Four founders of the Central Pacific Railroad! The Conservatory has kept blooming through quite a few disasters from a boiler explosion in 1883,to the great Earthquake of 1909, to a fire in 1918, and most recently a wind storm in 1993! Today, it is a haven for botanical workshops, study sessions, and leisurely strolls through the Conservatory’s massive collection of exotic plants! 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: Golden Gate Park 0.5 mi W of John McLearn Lodge on J. F. Kennedy Dr San Francisco, CA 94118 ANNOTATIONS: From Los Angeles: ~384mi (618km) — 6.4hrs |
| When should I go? | The Conservatory is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10:00 AM until 4:30 PM! |
