San Francisco is a city known for its stunning landmarks, diverse culture, and unique history. As one of the most iconic cities in the United States, San Francisco has a rich tapestry of stories and legends that have helped to shape its character and allure. From the Golden Gate Bridge to the cable cars, the city has many famous landmarks that draw millions of visitors each year.
Whether you're a first-time visitor or a long-time resident, there are always new and interesting facts to discover about this iconic city. From its colorful past as a wild west town to its status as a hub of innovation and technology, San Francisco has a story to tell at every turn. However, there are also many lesser-known fun facts about San Francisco that are sure to delight and surprise. In this article, we delve deeper into the fascinating world of San Francisco, highlighting some lesser-known facts that are sure to pique your interest and leave you wanting to learn more.
The Color of the Golden Gate Bridge
Contrary to the name, The Golden Gate Bridge is painted in a reddish-orange color called "international orange." The color was chosen because it blends well with the natural surroundings of the bridge and provides excellent visibility in the fog that frequently engulfs the area. It is also said to have been chosen by the bridge's chief engineer, Joseph Strauss, because it complemented the surrounding hills and was a good match for the natural environment. Today, the color is synonymous with the Golden Gate Bridge and has become an iconic symbol of San Francisco.
Fog Has a Name
Yes, the fog in San Francisco is so common that it has been given a name - "Karl the Fog". The name was given to the fog by a San Francisco resident named James "Karl" the Fog, who started a Twitter account with the same name in 2010. The account tweets about the fog and its movements around the city, and has gained a large following. The fog is a common occurrence in San Francisco due to its location on the coast and the temperature changes between the cool ocean air and warmer inland temperatures.
San Francisco is Home to the Fortune Cookie
San Francisco is indeed home to the fortune cookie, which is often associated with Chinese cuisine but was actually invented in San Francisco by a Japanese-American named Makoto Hagiwara. Hagiwara was a gardener who tended the Japanese Tea Garden in Golden Gate Park and is said to have first served fortune cookies there in the early 1900s. The fortune cookie is a sweet, crispy cookie that contains a small slip of paper with a fortune or prediction on it. Today, fortune cookies are a popular treat in Chinese restaurants throughout the United States and around the world.
Prison History
San Francisco has a rich history when it comes to prisons. One of the most famous prisons in the city is Alcatraz Island, which is located in San Francisco Bay. Alcatraz was first used as a military prison in the 1850s, and later became a federal penitentiary in 1934. It housed some of the most notorious criminals in American history, including Al Capone and Robert "Birdman" Stroud, and was known for its strict rules and harsh conditions. The prison was closed in 1963 and is now a popular tourist attraction, drawing visitors from around the world.
Another historic prison in San Francisco is the San Francisco City Jail, which is located in the Hall of Justice in the city's Civic Center district. The jail has a long history and has housed many famous inmates, including Billie Holiday and Harvey Milk's assassin, Dan White. Today, the jail serves as a temporary holding facility for suspects awaiting trial or transfer to a larger prison.
There are also several other historic prisons in the San Francisco Bay Area, including San Quentin State Prison, which is located across the bay in Marin County and is California's oldest prison still in use. Overall, the prison history of San Francisco is rich and varied, and has played an important role in shaping the city's identity and culture.
San Francisco is Home to the Oldest Chinatown
San Francisco is home to the oldest and largest Chinatown outside of Asia. The San Francisco Chinatown covers 24 city blocks and is a major tourist destination, attracting millions of visitors every year. It was established in the 1850s during the California Gold Rush, when many Chinese immigrants came to the city in search of gold and work. Over time, the neighborhood has become a cultural hub for the Chinese community, with numerous restaurants, shops, and markets selling traditional Chinese goods and cuisine. Today, San Francisco's Chinatown is a vibrant and bustling community that celebrates its heritage while also embracing new cultural influences. It is an important part of the city's cultural landscape and a must-visit destination for anyone exploring San Francisco.
Population Size
According to the United States Census Bureau, as of 2020, the estimated population of San Francisco is approximately 883,869. This makes San Francisco the fourth-most populous city in California and the 16th-most populous city in the United States. San Francisco is known for being a densely populated city, with a population density of approximately 18,838 people per square mile. However, despite its relatively small size, San Francisco is a major economic and cultural center, attracting millions of visitors and residents every year. The city is renowned for its diverse population, vibrant neighborhoods, and rich cultural history.
Home to the Only Moving National Historic Landmark
San Francisco is home to the only moving national historic landmark in the United States: the cable car system. The cable car system was first introduced to San Francisco in the late 1800s as a way to transport residents up and down the city's steep hills. Today, the cable car system is a popular tourist attraction and an iconic symbol of the city. The cable cars are manually operated and use a system of cables and pulleys to move up and down the hills. There are three cable car lines in San Francisco: the Powell-Hyde, Powell-Mason, and California Street lines. The cable cars are not only a convenient mode of transportation for locals and visitors, but also a beloved part of the city's culture and history.
Crookedest Street in the World
San Francisco's Lombard Street is often referred to as the "crookedest street in the world." It is a one-block section of the street, located between Hyde and Leavenworth Streets in the Russian Hill neighborhood, that features eight hairpin turns. The street was designed in the 1920s to make it easier for vehicles to navigate the steep slope of the hill. Today, Lombard Street is a popular tourist attraction, with visitors flocking to take pictures and drive down the winding road. The street is lined with beautiful homes and gardens, and offers stunning views of the city and San Francisco Bay. Despite its popularity, Lombard Street can be congested with both vehicle and foot traffic, so it's best to plan ahead if you're hoping to visit.
Largest Number of Victorian Houses in the US
San Francisco is home to the largest number of Victorian and Edwardian houses in the United States, and possibly the world. These homes, built in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, are characterized by their ornate details and decorative features, such as turrets, bay windows, and intricate woodwork. Many of these homes were built during the city's period of rapid growth and expansion following the Gold Rush, and have since become an iconic part of San Francisco's architectural landscape. Some of the most famous Victorian houses in the city can be found in the Haight-Ashbury, Pacific Heights, and Alamo Square neighborhoods. Today, these homes are highly sought after and often command high prices on the city's competitive real estate market.
College Degrees
San Francisco has the highest percentage of residents with a college degree of any major city in the United States. According to data from the United States Census Bureau, as of 2019, approximately 57.4% of San Francisco residents aged 25 or older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The city is home to a number of prestigious universities, including the University of San Francisco, San Francisco State University, and the California College of the Arts, as well as a large number of tech and startup companies that often require highly-educated workers. The city's reputation as an innovative and forward-thinking place also attracts a highly-educated population. The high percentage of college-educated residents has helped to make San Francisco one of the most educated cities in the world.
Crazy Number of Hills
San Francisco is known for having a crazy number of hills. There are over 50 hills throughout the city, each with its own unique character and charm. Some of the most famous hills include Telegraph Hill, which is home to the iconic Coit Tower, Russian Hill, which features the crooked Lombard Street, and Nob Hill, which is known for its historic mansions and luxury hotels. The hills can pose a challenge for both drivers and pedestrians, but they also offer stunning views of the city and San Francisco Bay. Many of the city's neighborhoods are built on steep slopes, which gives them a distinctive character and creates a sense of separation and identity between different areas of the city. The hills of San Francisco are a defining feature of the city's geography and culture.