Benjamin Franklin American Stateman Statue San Francisco 2 Editorial Image

Benjamin Franklin is best remembered as the man who discovered electricity. In addition to also having invented the bifocal glasses,he printed the Poor Richard's Almanack,as well as having been the American Ambassador to France,and the first Postmaster General of the United States. Henry Cogswell,(1820-1900) was a dentist who came to San Francisco with his family during the Gold Rush. He and his wife,Caroline,were early members of the Temperance movement. They believed if there were water drinking fountains freely available all around,people could have easier access to water,so would have less need for alcohol. Henry paid for this statue of Ben Franklin,with a water fountain on each of the four sides. As this has not always been a popular idea,the fountains have been completely removed. Lucky for this one,beside also containing a time capsule,a number of the other statutes across the country he also paid for have been completely taken down. As enjoyed 15 February 2023.