Historic Landmarks of San Francisco

Laurel Hill is a minor prominence near the northern base of Lone Mountain in western San Francisco. Bounded by California St, Presidio Ave, Geary Blvd, and Parker Ave — an area of 54 acres — Laurel Hill reaches an altitude of 264 feet. A portion of the hill was dedicated May 30, 1854, as Lone Mountain Cemetery, one of a quartet of burial grounds in the vicinity. The others were Calvary, Odd Fellows, and Masonic Cemeteries. At that time the region was uninhabited and was located several miles to the west of the populated areas of the City. Lone Mountain Cemetery's first burial occurred June 28, 1854. Such early San Francisco luminaries as James King of William, David Broderick, and Andrew Smith Hallidie were interred in the tract.

In 1867 a group of prominent citizens including William Chapman Ralston, John Parrott, and Henry Haight, dissatisfied with the care being given to the burial ground, reincorporated Lone Mountain Cemetery as Laurel Hill Cemetery.

In 1902 San Francisco banned further burials within city limits. The land where Laurel Hill Cemetery was located became too valuable to support a graveyard; between 1939 and 1941 the deceased inhabitants were removed and reburied elsewhere, and the land was put to other uses. This site was occupied by an insurance company from 1957-1985. It is now a campus of UCSF.