upper waypoint

The State Capitol Almost Moved to Berkeley and All It Got Was This Sweet Bear Fountain

10:22
Save ArticleSave Article
Failed to save article

Please try again

The bears facing different directions support the Fountain at The Circle on Marin Avenue in Berkeley.  (Maggie Galloway/KQED)

If you’re in Berkeley and wander far enough up Marin Avenue, there’s no doubt you’ll run into the Fountain at The Circle. The grand Beaux Arts fountain has become a symbol of the neighborhood and has inspired numerous paintings and drawings. It even has its own Berkeley Public Library card design.

But this fountain also symbolizes a big moment in Berkeley's history, and how one developer’s dream almost changed California history forever.

Reported by Maggie Galloway.

Bay Curious is made by Olivia Allen-Price, Jessica Placzek and Katie McMurran. Additional support from Julie Caine, Suzie Racho, Patricia Yollin, Carly Severn and Bianca Hernandez.

Theme music by Pat Mesiti-Miller.

Sponsored

Ask us a question or sign up for our newsletter at BayCurious.org.

Follow Olivia Allen-Price on Twitter @oallenprice.

lower waypoint
next waypoint