The story says Coit Tower was built to look like the nozzle of a fire hose, in honour of the city’s firefighters. The agency that runs the tower says it was not designed that way.
The Legend
What Is Actually True
Rec and Park, which runs the tower, says plainly that it “was not designed to resemble a firehose nozzle”. The rest is true: Coit was an honorary member of Knickerbocker Engine Co. No. 5, and her bequest to beautify the city paid for both Coit Tower, completed in 1933 to a design by Arthur Brown Jr.’s firm, and the volunteer firefighters monument in Washington Square below. The murals inside were painted in 1934 by artists of the Public Works of Art Project.
Can You Visit?
Yes. Rec and Park lists daily hours (10am to 6pm April to October, 10am to 5pm November to March) and elevator and mural-tour prices on its Coit Tower page.
Still Unconfirmed
- The story itself. It is a rumor or tale people tell; we found no primary record behind it.
Related
Read the dated history in the best views in San Francisco.
More Legends and History
This is one of 30 stories in San Francisco Local Legends, fact-checked. For the dated record, start at the San Francisco history hub or the timeline.
Sources
- SF Recreation and Parks, Coit Tower, read 27 October 2026.
- San Francisco Chronicle, Lillie Hitchcock Coit, read 27 October 2026.
Dates and figures are as the sources state them, read on 27 October 2026.
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Read the guide →Questions People Ask About Is Coit Tower a Fire Hose Nozzle? The Legend and the Facts
Is Coit Tower shaped like a fire hose nozzle?
No. San Francisco Recreation and Parks says it was not designed to resemble a firehose nozzle.
Who paid for Coit Tower?
Lillie Hitchcock Coit’s bequest to beautify the city paid for it, and for the volunteer firefighters monument in Washington Square.
Was Lillie Coit connected to firefighters?
Yes. She was an honorary member of Knickerbocker Engine Co. No. 5.
When was Coit Tower completed?
1933, to a design by Arthur Brown Jr.’s firm; the murals were painted in 1934.
Can I visit Coit Tower?
Yes. Rec and Park lists daily hours (10am to 6pm April to October, 10am to 5pm November to March) and elevator and mural-tour prices on its Coit Tower page.
More to Explore
Happening Soon
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- SF State Observatory Public Nights (Wed–Fri, through Dec 4) Thu, Oct 1 – Dec 4 · SF State Observatory, Thornton Hall
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Cite this page: Project SF, “Is Coit Tower a Fire Hose Nozzle? The Legend and the Facts”, projectsf.com/guides/coit-tower-fire-hose-nozzle-legend/ (updated ).