When was the House of the Flag built?

The house appears to date from around 1860, with an additional section built on the uphill side in 1903.

What are some interesting legends about the house?

Neighborhood legend suggests the house was built by a sea captain. Additionally, while some believe the flag remained flying throughout the 1906 disaster, other accounts state it was raised and lowered three times as a salute to catch the attention of soldiers.

What should I check before going?

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

House of the Flag in San Francisco

Q: What is the house made of?

The frame of the house is said to be constructed from Georgia pine that was brought around Cape Horn.

What is the House of the Flag known for?

It is a San Francisco Landmark (#46) located in Russian Hill that survived the 1906 earthquake and fire. It is famous for an incident where the occupant raised an American flag, which inspired a company of soldiers to charge up the hill and fight the fire to protect the house and other hilltop homes.

What to know

The House of the Flag is a historic hipped-roof residence situated on the eastern slope of Russian Hill. Appearing to date from around 1860, the home's frame is said to be constructed from Georgia pine that was transported around Cape Horn. The structure was expanded in 1903 with the addition of a section on the uphill side. This residence gained its fame as one of the few buildings to survive the devastating 1906 San Francisco earthquake and fire. As the flames approached, the occupant, who was a flag collector, raised an American flag on a staff beside the house. While some legends suggest the flag flew continuously through the disaster, other accounts state it was raised and lowered three times as a salute to attract attention. This signal worked, as a company of soldiers spotted the flag from below and charged up the hill to combat the blaze. To protect the House of the Flag and neighboring hilltop homes, these soldiers reportedly utilized unconventional tools, including a bathtub full of water, sand from a nearby construction project, and soda siphons to reach difficult areas. Today, the site is recognized as San Francisco Landmark #46. Local neighborhood legend further attributes the home's origin to a sea captain, a common trait for houses on this hillside that offered clear views of the San Francisco Bay.

Visitor tips

View the house from the street to appreciate its hipped-roof architecture.
Combine this stop with a visit to the nearby San Francisco Cable Car Museum.
Wear comfortable walking shoes as the Russian Hill terrain is steep.

Nearby context

Located on the slopes of Russian Hill, the House of the Flag is situated near the Russian Hill-Paris Block Architectural District and the San Francisco Cable Car Museum, placing it in one of the city's most historically dense residential areas.