Right over there is a place dedicated to a poet named George Sterling. Who was he? The George Sterling Memorial honors a poet. He wasn’t just any poet. George Sterling was a major figure in California’s Bohemian art scene. He was a friend to Jack London. He mentored Clark Ashton Smith.
George Sterling Park sits atop Russian Hill. It was dedicated in 1928 as George Sterling Glade. The park was rededicated in November 2005. He was known for visionary poetry. His style echoed Shelley, Keats, and Poe.
The George Sterling Memorial is a tranquil place. It has paths and terraces. They offer views. You can see San Francisco Bay and the Golden Gate Bridge. The memorial includes a plaque. It features lines from his poem. It is called “The Cool, Grey City of Love”. This poem gave San Francisco its nickname.
Sterling’s romantic lyrical poetry made him famous. People called him the poet laureate of San Francisco. Ambrose Bierce mentored him. Jack London was a close friend. His charisma inspired many artists. They called him “King of Bohemia”.
George Sterling was born in 1869. He died in 1926. One sign in the park quotes his poetry. It says “Tho the dark be cold and blind …”.
The George Sterling Memorial offers a place to relax. You can reflect on his words. From here you can see Lombard Street. It is known as “the crookedest street in the world”.
George Sterling Park is located at Hyde and Greenwich Streets. It is between Lombard and Greenwich Streets. The park includes Phoebe’s Terrace. There are stairs that lead up into the park. There are also paths that weave through it. Benches are set at the crest of the hill.
The park has tennis and basketball courts. They sit atop a reservoir. The reservoir was built in 1860. It was restored in 2003-2005. Mayor Gavin Newsom rededicated it. You’ll also see a drinking fountain. It is at the base of the path.
So as you wander through this park remember George Sterling. Remember his contribution to the city. He captured San Francisco’s unique beauty in his verses. His words continue to inspire. They offer a moment of peace. They allow reflection in this busy city.