On Thursday June 18, 2020 San Francisco removed a statue of Christopher Columbus at Coit Tower. Officials are now receiving suggestions for a replacement statue. 

Lillie Hitchcock should receive a statue.

Lillie Hitchcock was the benefactor for the construction of the Coit Tower. She bequeathed one third of her fortune to the City of San Francisco "to be expended in an appropriate manner for the purpose of adding to the beauty of the city which I have always loved." Using Lillie's gift, The City built Coit Tower - then named it after her husband.

San Francisco has an opportunity to bring attention to this great woman. 

Lillie Hitchcock was ahead of her time. Born in the mid-1800s, she volunteered with the SF Fire Department earning the affectionate nickname "Firebelle Lil'." She smoked cigars, wore trousers (long before it was socially acceptable for women to do so), and was an avid gambler. She even dressed like a man in order to gamble in the male-only establishments that dotted North Beach. Like many residents of San Francisco, she was a bit eccentric!

There are many great ideas floating around to replace the Columbus statue with; we should choose a representation that embodies the pride we all have for The City. History has long looked over the accomplishments of women. We can fix that. 

Lillie Hitchcock loved San Francisco. We should show her how much we love her.