Nob Hill

Nob Hill was settled in the late 1800's by four mining and railroad industrialists known as the "Big Four" - Charles, Crocker, Leland Stanford, Mark Hopkins and Collis P. Huntington. Their once huge mansions have now become some of the most well known hotels including the Fairmont, Mark Hopkins, Stouffer Stanford Court and Huntington. In 1843 the cable car line was completed and led to the residential development of Nob Hill. Today it remains one of San Francisco's most desired addresses, highlighted by several hotels, Grace Cathedral, tremendous views and a quick walk to the Financial District.

The palatial mansions of the Big Four railroad magnates (Charles Crocker, Mark Hopkins, Leland Stanford and Collis Huntington) on Nob Hill were destroyed in the 1906 earthquake and fire. Now, "Snob Hills" luxury hotels carry on their legacy as an enclave for the rich and famous. The City?s historic cable cars, built in 1878 to make these neighborhoods accessible, are still carrying standing-room-only loads of tourists and locals up and down the steep hills. A few elegant mansions remain, along with several Julia Morgan Arts and Crafts-style homes, luxury apartment buildings, and assorted smaller single family residences. Huntington Park, donated to the neighborhood by Collis Huntington in 1915, provides a playground and benches for the wealthy and not so wealthy alike.