Coit Tower Semaphore
An unusual and short lived semaphore system at Coit Tower:
"During gold rush days a look-out stationed in a structure on this spot observed and signalled the arrival of incoming vessels, by adjusting movable arms high on a tall pole and by hosting national colors, he identified the nature of the ship arriving and alerted the town below. After four years, in 1853, this novel signalling system became obselete through use of the electrical telegraph.
This monument erected by California Historical Society July 20, 1961 on the occasion of the arrival of 'S. S. Canberra' of the P & O Steam Navigation Company
Original plaque replace by the Coit Tower Preservation Fund and rededicated January 31, 1993 on the arrival of the 'S. S. Canberra' world cruise 1993."
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