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San Francisco, California / Landmarks

Prayer Book Cross

A towering 57-foot Celtic cross in Golden Gate Park, commemorating Sir Francis Drake's 1579 landing and the first Anglican services read in the New World.

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Prayer Book Cross
Mutante, CC BY-SA 3.0

What is the Prayer Book Cross known for?

Also known as Drake's Cross, this 57-foot-tall Celtic cross commemorates Sir Francis Drake's 1579 landing in California and the first Anglican prayer service held in the New World using the Book of Common Prayer.

Where is it located?

The cross is located in Golden Gate Park above Rainbow Falls, alongside John F. Kennedy Drive and just east of the Crossover Drive overpass.

Is it easy to find?

While it was originally built on high ground to be visible from the sea, the city, and the Golden Gate, it is now largely hidden from view by dense trees.

When was it built?

The monument was erected in 1894 and was officially unveiled on New Year's Day of that year.

What is it made of and how big is it?

The cross is made of granite and stands 57 feet tall.

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 Prayer Book Cross, also known as Drake's Cross, is a massive granite Celtic cross standing 57 feet tall. Erected in 1894, the monument was officially unveiled on New Year's Day to coincide with the Midwinter International Exposition. It was a gift from Philadelphia philanthropist George Childs and the Church of England, intended to mark the occasion of Sir Francis Drake's 1579 landing in California and the first Church of England sermon on the American continent. The monument was strategically placed on one of the higher points in Golden Gate Park, atop a hill above Rainbow Falls, to be visible to observers from the ocean, the Golden Gate, and the city. At the time of its dedication, contemporary newspaper articles claimed it was the largest cross in the world. This prominent position was intended to serve as a beacon for mariners and a statement of colonial identity. However, the landscape has changed over the century. While it was once one of San Francisco's most prominent landmarks, the cross is now largely hidden from view by dense trees. It is located near John F. Kennedy Drive, just east of the Crossover Drive overpass, but remains mostly hidden from passersby on the road just a few yards away. Historians have noted that the monument was an attempt to rewrite California's history, framing the English arrival as a primary colonial influence. This creates a contrast with the Spanish colonization of California, which converted Indigenous people to Catholicism under the violent mission system. The cross stands as a testament to the legacy of colonial narratives and the evolving nature of urban parkland.

Visitor tips

  • Look for the monument above Rainbow Falls to help orient yourself.
  • Allow a few extra minutes to search for the cross, as dense trees now hide it from the main road.
  • Visit during the morning or late afternoon when the light filters through the canopy for better photography.

Nearby context

The Prayer Book Cross is located in the heart of Golden Gate Park, situated above Rainbow Falls and near the John F. Kennedy Promenade. Its secluded location makes it a peaceful retreat from the busier sections of the park.

Sources

Evidence and links