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San Francisco, California / History

Abner Phelps House

Widely believed to be San Francisco's oldest residence, this Gothic Revival cottage at 1111 Oak Street features a mysterious origin story involving a voyage from New Orleans in 1850.

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Abner Phelps House
Sanfranman59, CC BY-SA 3.0

What is the Abner Phelps House known for?

It is widely believed to be the oldest house and oldest residence in San Francisco, dating from 1850–51.

Where is it located?

The house is located at 1111 Oak Street in San Francisco's Haight-Ashbury district, just west of Divisadero Street and near the Panhandle of Golden Gate Park.

Can I go inside the house?

No, the house is not open to the public.

What is the architectural style of the house?

The house is a Gothic Revival residence. Its veranda, upper-story balcony, and raised foundation are reminiscent of Louisiana homes and southern riverfront cottages.

What is the history of the house?

Built in 1850, some accounts suggest it was purchased in New Orleans and shipped in pieces to San Francisco. The house has been moved multiple times, including a 1904 move to its current location to allow for the construction of stores on Divisadero Street.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

What to know

The Abner Phelps House, located at 1111 Oak Street, is widely recognized as the oldest residence still standing in San Francisco. Dating from 1850–51, this Gothic Revival structure is listed in the National Register of Historic Places under listing #71000187. Its architecture is distinctive, featuring a raised foundation, an upper-story balcony, and a veranda that strongly resemble southern Louisiana cottage forms. Local historians and family accounts provide a fascinating origin story for the home. One account from 1961 suggests that lawyer Abner Phelps purchased the house in New Orleans in 1850 and had it shipped in sections around Cape Horn to reach the West Coast. This unique history contributes to a preservation description that suggests the building looks as if it had been floated into the city from elsewhere. Throughout its existence, the house has been moved multiple times. In 1904, it was repositioned backward to its current location in the middle of the block, a move that allowed Phelps to build stores on Divisadero Street. This adaptability has helped the structure survive while much of the surrounding city changed. In recent years, the building has transitioned from a residence to a commercial space. It was previously available for lease as a commercial office and has more recently been reported as the new headquarters for Noise Pop Industries, bringing a modern music-industry hub into one of the city's most ancient architectural shells.

Visitor tips

  • View the house from the sidewalk as the interior is not open to the public.
  • Look for the raised foundation and veranda that hint at its alleged Louisiana origins.
  • Combine this stop with a walk through the nearby Panhandle of Golden Gate Park.

Nearby context

Situated in the Haight-Ashbury district just west of Divisadero Street, the house stands as a quiet historical anchor near the Panhandle of Golden Gate Park. It is located within walking distance of local spots like the Madrone Art Bar and Toronado.

Sources

Evidence and links