McElroy Octagon House, San Francisco

The McElroy Octagon House, also referred to as the Colonial Dames Octagon House, features an octagonal shape, which was very popular in the 19th century. Today, it houses a museum, where visitors will find a large collection of decorative arts and historical documents of American Colonial and Federal Era.

This architectural gem has garnered prestigious recognition over the years, being designated as a San Francisco Landmark on February 3, 1969, a California Historical Landmark on February 23, 1972, and listed on the National Register of Historic Places since the same date.

In 1859, William C. McElroy and his spouse Harriet Shober built a remarkable house, which initially had two floors and four rooms on each floor. Around the 1880s, it became a rental property, and Daniel O’Connell from the Bohemian Club was one of the tenants. After the 1906 Earthquake, the house faced significant damage and changed ownership several times.

In 1951, the house was acquired by the National Society of the Colonial Dames of America in California. Led by Warren C. Perry, they moved it across the street, restored it, and modified the layout for events. By 1953, it became a museum, preserving its rich history for the public.

As of today, only three octagon houses remain in the city: the McElroy Octagon House, Feusier Octagon House, and the Marine Exchange Lookout Station at Land's End, each contributing to San Francisco's architectural heritage.