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A landmark visible from many parts of the city, historic Coit Tower resembles a giant fire hose nozzle. The tower was built in 1933 with donations from Lilly Hitchcock Coit. According to legend, 15-year-old Lillie was heading home one day when she stopped to help firemen fight a blaze. The 210-foot fire nozzle-shaped tower was her way of honoring SF's firemen. Coit Tower stands atop Telegraph Hill, which itself is a storied location. In 1846 Captain John Montgomery, Commander of the District of San Francisco, claimed the hilltop for the US government. During the Gold Rush era, settlers used the hilltop Marine Telegraph to relay news of arriving ships -- thus the name Telegraph Hill. The colorful murals painted inside date to the Depression-era WPA project. The panoramic view from Coit Tower is one of the finest in San Francisco. To enjoy the full 360-degree view, buy a ticket to the top.
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