El Polin Spring
In the Presidio at the southern end of McArthur Avenue
At the southern end of McArthur Avenue in the Presidio is an area known as Tennessee Hollow. Just beyond the picnic area is El Polin Loop, where a path encircles an historic stone well. On the eastern side of the loop is a dirt path leading to the well. On the left, shortly before reaching the well, a stone bears a plaque marking El Polin Spring and relates the story of its mystical qualities. The legend is that its water, when drunk by a maiden during the full moon, is guaranteed many children, and especially twins. The early Spanish settlers not only believed this but the size of their families amazed visitors. General Mariano Vallejo claimed, “It gave very good water, and… was excellent and of miraculous properties. In proof of my assertion I appeal to the families… [who] several times had twins.” Vallejo himself fathered sixteen children.