Pioneer's Monument, San Francisco

The Pioneer's Monument stands as a living symbol to San Francisco's resilience. It was one of the few free-standing structures that withstood the 1906 earthquake. The spear, shield and bear atop the monument symbolize California. The base of the monument is covered with sketches of some of California's earliest pioneers, including Sir Francis Drake and John Sutter. Perhaps the most interesting aspect of this monument is the long-time rumors that circulate about a time capsule buried underneath the structure.