Lotta’s Fountain, located in the heart of downtown, was given to the city of San Francisco in 1875 by Lotta Crabtree, one of the city’s most popular entertainers. As a child in Grass Valley, she was taken in hand by the infamous Lola Montez, mistress of King Ludwig I, Dumas père, Liszt, and others of less renown. With Lola’s encouragement and teaching, the eight-year-old Lotta began entertaining miners in 1855 and was soon performing in saloons, gambling halls and dives throughout the Mother Lode. She became the darling of all California, and eventually New York, Philadelphia, Boston and London. But it was San Francisco that absolutely adored her bawdy humor, laden with double entendre. Never married, smoking large black cigars, obeying no societal laws, Lotta loved the city and the city loved her. She repaid this unquestioning adoration by donating the large fountain to San Francisco.

On Christmas Eve in 1906, Luisa Tetrazzini sang at Lotta’s Fountain. This world-famous soprano had gotten her start at San Francisco’s Tivoli and never lost her love for the city. When San Francisco lay in ruins from the Great Earthquake, she returned to sing for her devoted fans. The streets of Kearny, Market, Third, and Geary were packed solid as thousands thronged to catch a glimpse of their beloved Luisa. From a platform at the fountain, Tetrazzini gave San Francisco one of its most memorable Christmas gifts ever.

In the aftermath of the ‘06 Quake, Lotta’s Fountain became a gathering point for survivors. Names of the dead, the missing, and the found were posted. And every year since, on April 18, at 5:13 AM, the living survivors of the earthquake have gathered in remembrance. Although the number of this unique group diminishes each year, the early morning tribute continues to draw crowds to pay tribute to the indomitable spirit of San Francisco.