Take a walk down memory lane and learn about the history of San Francisco. Surprisingly, there are houses still standing from the birth of the city that survived the infamous 1906 earthquake in San Francisco. However, some houses are not open to public, so just sit back and read the stories of the oldest houses in the city. Learn more about the oldest houses of San Francisco that will surprise you.
The Abner Phelps House dates from 1850 and is currently the oldest house in San Francisco. The house dates from Gold Rush days and historic, but not open to the public. Abner Phelps, a colonel in the Mexican-American War, built the house in the early days of California history. Architecturally, the house is Gothic revival with colonial features.
Built in 1852, the Captain Andrews house was an important house during Prohibition. The house was a speakeasy described as having "all the atmosphere of the Montmarte with a Marine view." By 1927, the house was raided in 1927.
Founded and built in 1853, the house is designed like an Italian Villa. The urban area of today from from Mason to Jones Street was a "goat path" with agriculture. The house was remodeled by Willis Polk in 1900 and survived the 1906 Earthquake and Fire!
This historic house near the Castro and Mission District was built in 1853. This house was owned Tanforan ranching family, so this is part of pre-Gold Rush days California. Originally, the house was on land within the 1836 Mexican Grant to Francisco Guerrero.
The founders of the city have left their mark in San Francisco. Russian Hill founder, Horatio P. Livermore, lived at this house on 40 Florence Street. Livermore is known to have built dams across the American River and power and irrigation stations.
One of the few historic houses that is open to the public for tours. The octagon house is in the Cow Hollow neighborhood on 1067 Green Street. William C. McElroy built the house in 1858 across the street from its present location. In 1971, the octagon house became a San Francisco landmark.
A site of bravery and fortune, the house of flag was saved during the 1906 Earthquake. The owner raised a flag next to the house it during the fire after the 1906 earthquake. The story goes that a soldier saw the flag and was inspired an motivated to stop the fire. House of Flag Address: 656 Taylor Street, 94133
The Leale house was originally the main house for a dairy farm. Today, the house sits in an elegant part of the city. Captain Leale, a ferry boat captain, bought the house in 1883 hence the name.
One of the most popular and recognizable Victorians is also on the list. The oldest Victorian at 722 Steiner dates from 1892, this was the personal residence of builder Matthew Kavanaugh who later built the three matching houses next door. This row of Victorian beauties have been in many movies and TV shows like "Full House."
