September 9th. That date is etched in bronze on the book held by the winged woman atop the Admission Day Monument. Today we’re standing at Market Street and Montgomery Street. Here stands a monument that’s more than just bronze and marble. It is a testament to California’s entry into the Union. The Admission Day Monument marks September 9, 1850. It was then that California became the 31st state. This followed the Mexican-American War of 1848.
The Admission Day Monument has been called several other names. You might hear it called the Native Son Monument or the Phelan Fountain. These names reflect its history and purpose. Mayor James D. Phelan commissioned the monument. He paid 12,000 dollars for it.
Phelan formally presented it in a letter. He gave it to the Board of Supervisors on February 8, 1896. The Board accepted the gift. They named it the Phelan Fountain.
The Admission Day Monument was unveiled on September 5, 1897. The Native Sons of the Golden West dedicated it on September 9, 1897. Mayor Phelan wanted no speeches. He presented it to Supervisor T. A. Rottanzi. Rottanzi accepted it for San Francisco’s citizens.
Originally, the Admission Day Monument stood at Market, Turk, and Mason Streets. But in 1948, it was moved to Golden Gate Park. The Native Sons helped bring it back to Market Street in 1977.
Look closely. The Admission Day Monument has a square foundation. It also had three steps. These led to a stone pedestal. A Doric column sits on top, crowned with bronze sculptures. The entire monument stood 35 feet tall. When reinstalled, the foundation and steps were not restored. This makes the overall height 33.5 feet now.
The lower bronze sculpture shows a miner. He waves an American flag. He also carries a gun. This miner represents the Youth of California. He honors the Native Sons of the Golden West. He cheers with triumphant enthusiasm. The American flag rests on his left shoulder. A miner’s pickaxe hangs on the other.
Above him, the Genius of California blesses the union. This winged woman stands on a bronze ball. She holds an open book. The date of California’s admission is inscribed inside. The sculptor modeled her after his wife.
Willis Polk designed the column and base. The pedestal features bronze bear heads. Water once flowed from their mouths. Rattlesnakes surround the bear heads. They symbolize the Sierra Nevada mountains. They represent the dangers of the Wild West. Handles between the bears’ teeth released water. It flowed into cups for drinking. These cups had a buffalo design. Two octopus sculptures are at the bottom.
The pedestal features a quote from William H. Seward. He spoke in the US Senate on March 11, 1850. He argued for California’s admission. He said, “The perpetual unity of the Empire hangs on the decision of this day.” The monument is dedicated to the Native Sons of the Golden West. It commemorates California’s admission. This happened on September 9, 1850.
The Admission Day Monument intended as a public drinking fountain. People could gather. They could exchange news. They could admire the art.
The Admission Day monument met Lotta’s Fountain in a children’s story. It was published by the San Francisco Call. The story is called “The Three Fountains”.
Today, the Admission Day Monument stands as a reminder. It recalls California’s past and its journey into the future. It symbolizes the California Dream. It is a welcome to all seekers and refugees. It is a message of admission. It’s a story etched in bronze and marble.