San Francisco Landmarks
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26 May 2011
The House of the Flag is the hipped-roof residence in the foreground. In 1906, it was not obscured from view by surrounding buildings.
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Russian Hill after the 1906 Earthquake and Fire
Photograph Courtesy California State Library
The photograph looks north at Russian Hill and shows the group of houses near its summit that escaped the flames. The house on the eastern slope flying a flag is the famous House of the Flag.
The inscription below the photograph reads: "Portion of Russian Hill taken on day following fire. The story is that the buildings were saved through being protected by U.S. Soldiers on account of the American flag hoisted and remained up all through the burning of the city."
Contrary to the inscription, the flag did not remain flying through the disaster but had been raised and lowered three times as a salute by the house's occupant, thereby catching the attention of nearby soldiers.House of the Flag
1652-1656 Taylor Between Broadway and Vallejo
Russian Hill
Built c1860 and 1903
According to neighborhood legend, this house, like others on the hillside which commanded clear views of the San Francisco Bay, was built by a sea captain. The frame is said to have been made of Georgia pine brought around the Horn. The house, clinging to the brow of the cliff, appears to date from around 1860. An addition on the uphill side was built in 1903.
The house was rescued from the 1906 Earthquake and Fire. As the fire approached, the occupant, a flag collector, raised the American flag on a staff beside the house. A company of soldiers spied it from below and were inspired to charge up the hill fight the fire. It is reported that they found a bathtub full of water, sand from a nearby construction project, and soda siphons to squirt into hard-to-reach places. The soldiers are credited with saving the house and protecting the rest of the hill.
Source: San Francisco Planning Commission Resolution No. 6809 passed on 10 February 1972.