Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Street-by-Street: Financial District
San Francisco's economic engine is fueled
largely by the Financial District, one of the chief
commercial centers in the US. It reaches from
the imposing modern towers and plazas of the
Embarcadero Center to staid Montgomery
Street, sometimes known as the “Wall Street of
the West.” All the principal banks, brokers,
exchanges, and law offices are situated within
this compact area. The Jackson Square
Historical District, north of Washington Street,
was once the heart of the business community.
1
.
Embarcadero Center
The center houses both commercial
outlets and offices. A shopping arcade
occupies the first three tiers of the towers.
Hotaling Place
, a narrow alley
leading to the Jackson Square
Historical District, has several
good antiques shops.
2
Jackson Square Historical District
This district recalls the Gold Rush era
more than any other.
The Golden Era Building
, was built during
the Gold Rush. It was the home of the paper
Golden Era
, for which Mark Twain wrote.
Bus stop (No. 41)
5
.
Transamerica Pyramid
Since 1972, this 853-ft (256-m)
skyscraper has been the tallest
on the city's skyline.
6
Union Bank of
California
The grand banking hall
is guarded by fierce stone
lions carved by sculptor
Arthur Putnam.
3
Wells Fargo History Museum
An original stagecoach, evoking
the wilder days of the old West,
is one of the many exhibits in
this transportation and
banking museum.
7
Merchant's
Exchange
Epic paintings of
local shipping scenes
line the walls.
4
555 California
The former world headquarters of
Bank of America was the city's tallest
skyscraper until 1972.
