Co-founded by leading beat poet Lawrence Ferlinghetti in 1953, City Lights quickly became a ground zero of sorts for San Francisco’s emerging literary scene and bohemian community. Besides carrying independent literature of all sorts, City Lights also published notable work by major beat authors. The most renowned of these was Allen Ginsberg’s Howl and Other Poems, leading to Ferlinghetti’s 1957 trial on grounds of obscenity, for which he was acquitted. City Lights remains one of the world’s top independent bookstores to this day, often hosting readings by renowned authors. Shortly before his death, a 100th birthday celebration was held here for Ferlinghetti in 2019, with readings and events in his honor in the store and throughout the neighborhood. Built in 1907 long before it became City Lights, this is now San Francisco Designated Landmark #228.