San Francisco, California: Gold Fire Hydrant - 1906 Earthquake

During San Francisco's 1906 earthquake, the Mission district was saved by a seemingly magical, lone fire hydrant providing water after all other hydrants had failed. The municipal hero is honored by a yearly repainting on April 18th in gold by descendants of the survivors.

Following another wildfire-choked California autumn, a visit to the municipal water hydrant that saved 1906 San Francisco reminds us that combustion is not exactly a new problem in the Golden State.

History fans and descendants of survivors refresh the paint job on the little hydrant and hold a ceremony on April 18th to commemorate its fabled role in helping firefighters stop the advance of a ruinous citywide fire after the San Francisco Earthquake.

In contrast to our last visit, this time there was no spoiler parked to ruin hydrant photos. Tourists wander up in an irregular stream for selfies. It's conveniently next to the MUNI line, at the top corner of Mission Dolores Park, which is often packed with revelers sunning on its dramatic slope facing downtown San Francisco.