Admission Day Monument on Market Street

Like the Mechanics Monument down the street, this work is by Douglas Tilden. Commissioned by Mayor James D. Phelan and unveiled on September 5, 1897. The monument commemorates the admission of California into the Union. The angel atop the statue is said to have been modeled after the artist’s wife. The angel carries an open book, inscribed “September 9, 1850” the date California became a state. The miner holds a pick behind his back, is armed with a six-shooter and is waving a flag in his left hand.  The monument stood for 51 years at the intersection of Mason, Turk and Market streets. It was moved to Golden Gate Park in 1948 and returned to Market, Post and Montgomery streets in 1977 after lobbying by the Native Sons.

 The unity of our empire hangs on the decision of this day.  W.H. Seward

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This fountain is dedicated to the native sons of the Golden West to commemorate the admission of California into the union. September the Ninth Anno Domini MDCCL

Tilden lead a fascinating and somewhat tragic life.  An interesting biography can be read here.

The bear is the symbol of California, however, I tried everywhere to find out the significance of the octopus, to no avail.  I did find this – but have NO way of knowing if there is an actual connection.  The Octopus: A Story of California is a 1901 novel by Frank Norris and the first part of a planned but uncompleted trilogy, The Epic of Wheat. It describes the raising of wheat in California, and conflicts between the wheat growers and a railway company. Norris was inspired by the role of the Southern Pacific Railroad in events surrounding the Mussel Slough Tragedy. It depicts the tension between the corrupt railroad and the ranchers and the ranchers’ League. The book emphasized the control of “forces” such as wheat and railroads over individuals. Some editions of the work give the subtitle as alternately, A California Story.