Sweeny Observatory Golden Gate Park San Francisco, 10. cover photo - 243621416

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California before statehood was part of Mexico. Americans were coming here, mainly for hunting and trading. Discovery of gold changed all of that, and the Mexican American War, when Mexico sold what is today California to America. With the discovery of golden in a site just 140 from San Francisco, some people suddenly got very wealthy. With all of this great wealth, the citizens of San Francisco also wanted an open air park, like those back East. Construction of Golden Gate Park started in 1871. One thing the original developer of the park did not want, were great monument, and plaques saying who paid for what. This was top be a park of nature and great natural beauty. So when Thomas Sweeny donated the money for an observatory at the top of Strawberry Hill, and expecting a plaque to be prominently display for his efforts, William Hall, the park director, was against it. The Observatory was built, and even expanded, but the plaque never materialized. Finally the earthquake of 1906 helped William Hall, by tearing down the whole of the Observatory. For years after, the Observatory just lay in ruins where it all fell, until park maintenance started claiming it and recycling the pieces for other uses around the park, like walkways and walls. The remains look more like an old fireplace. As seen 17 March 2022.