Nob Hill

Look at the Powell Street, Nob Hill north toward San Francisco Bay and Marin County runs

Nob Hill refers to a small district of San Francisco that borders the intersection of California and Powell streets. The lines of the famous San Francisco Cable Cars run over this hill.

Geographical location

Nob Hill's highest point is just northwest of Jones and Sacramento, Clay and Washington Streets. South of Nob Hill is the Union Square shopping district, the shabby Tenderloin neighborhood, and finally Market Street . To the east is San Francisco's Chinatown and, a little further, the city's financial district . North-east of Nob Hill are North Beach and Telegraph Hill . North of Nob Hill is the Cable Car Museum , Russian Hill and also the port areas popular with tourists such as Pier 39 and Fisherman's Wharf.

History and meaning

Nob Hill

Nob Hill is an affluent neighborhood, home to many wealthy families for generations, sometimes sarcastically referred to as Snob Hill. The city expanded into this area in the late 19th century. Because of the special views and central location, Nob Hill became an exclusive neighborhood for the rich and famous on the west coast, who built large villas in the area. Among them were prominent railroad bosses like Leland Stanford and other members of the Big Four . The buildings were almost completely destroyed by the earthquake and subsequent fire in 1906 . All that was left was a granite wall that surrounded the Stanford and Hopkins mansions, and the Huntington Mansion as the only palatial residence. But this was destroyed in the 1960s. The Flood Villa, although completely burned out, was rebuilt and preserved to this day. Although residents were able to maintain their prosperity beyond the earthquake, some of the wealthy rebuilt their mansions further west in Pacific Heights and Cow Hollow . Many of the expensive hotels in the area were built on the ruins of the old mansions.

The intersection of California and Powell Streets is also the source of famous San Francisco hotels: the Fairmont Hotel , the Mark Hopkins Intercontinental Hotel , the Stanford Court and the Huntington Hotel . In 2007 the Nob Hill Lambourne Hotel was renamed and converted into a continental residence, continuing the rich connection between tourism and the elegant, urban lifestyle.

The view from the top of the hill, and especially from the tower of the Fairmont Hotel, extends in all directions of the San Francisco Bay Area . Up there, at 1000 California Street, is the former villa of tycoon James Flood , which is now the headquarters of the exclusive Pacific Union Club , founded in 1889 . The Grace Cathedral is also located on the hill. Nob Hill is often used as a set for films, especially when a car chase is being filmed.