mcelroy octagon house one the last three san francisco

navigate by keyword : 1861 abandoned across actually america and bought built colonial dames for francisco house houses its last later left location mcelroy moved museum national neglected ninety now octagon one only present restored san society street then this three was when william years

McElroy Octagon House is one of the last of three in San Francisco, 2. Royalty Free Stock Photo

McElroy Octagon House is one of the last of three in San Francisco, 1. Royalty Free Stock Photo

Feusier Octagon House is one of the last of three in San Francisco, 1. Royalty Free Stock Photo

McElroy Octagon House is one of the last of three in San Francisco, 2.

When built in 1861 for William C. McElroy, this octagon house was actually across the street. Ninety years later it was neglected and abandoned. As one of only three octagon houses in San Francisco, the National Society of Colonial Dames of America bought it, moved it to its present location across the street and restored it, it is now a museum. The popularity of octagon houses is traced to a popular lecturer and author Orson Fowler, who touted the idea as more natural and more efficient. In fact, the homes are less efficient and the fad died out quickly. This home received San Francisco Landmark status and National Registry of Historic Places status.