San Francisco, California story
The Bronze Cowboys
Take a look at the bronze figures of the Pioneer Monument. It's easy to imagine the dust and noise of the nineteenth century right here in the Civic Center. Dedicated on November…
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Take a look at the bronze figures of the Pioneer Monument. It's easy to imagine the dust and noise of the nineteenth century right here in the Civic Center. Dedicated on November 29, 1894, this granite monument was financed by the estate of James Lick.
If you look closely at the statuary, you'll find a tribute to the cowboys, along with the miners, traders, and sailors who braved the journey to California and decided to stay. It was created by Frank Happersberger to honor the grit of those early settlers. While the monument has seen controversy—including the removal of the Early Days sculpture in 2018—the figures of the pioneers remain, frozen in bronze, reminding us of the rugged drives and long trails that helped build the city.
Updated June 2026