Now: On foot is the only way to really see Russian Hill - the stairways and alleys and up-close views of the many incredible residences tell the story of how grand and charming this neighborhood really is. Yes, it has Lombard Street and the Hyde Street cable car, but it's also got Macondray Lane and the views from Ina Coolbrith Park.

Then: A small cemetery was discovered at the top of the hill by settlers during the mid-1800s, which contained grave markers of members of the "Russian-American Company". This story is related on a plaque at Vallejo Street where it hits a small park between Jones and Taylor.