Most of the mansions were owned by railroad barons or silver barons. Laterhe went into banking, and the Crocker Bankwas merged with Wells Fargo a few years ago. Today the Crocker family maintains its vast wealth in investing in Silicon Valley technology. He was also the govenor of California and the founder of Stanford University at his country farm in Palo Alto. Huntington was the group's leader.
Nob Hill is a good place to visit.
A lot of places there are very exciting and educational. From almost each building you can learn some Gothic, old or modern planning. I hope from what I have told you, you will visit Nob Hill yourself. Field Study to Nob Hill and the Grace Episcopal Cathedral by Pavel N. Nob Hill is a central place in San Francisco. It is also an interesting one because it has buildings recycled from great people's mansions.