WILLIAM HAMMOND HALL 1846-1934


In 1870 William Hammond Hall, at the age of 24,
won by low bid the contract to survey Golden
Gate Park. He subsequently created a proposal
for the Park and was appointed Engineer and
Superintendent in 1871. He served in this position
until 1876, planting 59,680 trees and shrubs and stabilizing the drifting sand that made up
73% of the Park.

1872 Hall proposal for the eastern Park

1870 Topographical map with proposed and current roads

click on images for enlargements

“Destroy a public building and it can be rebuild in a year;
destroy a city woodland park and all the people living
at the time will have passed away before it’s restoration
can be effected." William Hammond Hall 1846-1934

return to sfpix