Archives West Finding Aid

On the morning of April 18, 1906, the people of San Francisco awoke just after 5:00 am to one of the worst natural disasters in American history. Estimated to be about an 8.5 on the Richter Scale, the San Francisco earthquake devastated the city and eventually contributed to an estimated 3,000 deaths. The earthquake created a rift in the ground along the San Andreas fault for nearly 270 miles along the California coast, causing the west side of the fault to slide northwards. Tremors from the earthquake's epicenter, just off the coast of San Francisco, were felt from Oregon to Southern California and as far inland as Nevada. Several buildings such as the Palace Hotel, reputed to be earthquake and fire proof, were destroyed in the aftermaths of the quake by raging fires that burned for several days. Women, unaware of the damage done to their chimneys by the quake, started breakfast in the morning. The ruined chimneys caused the massive "ham and egg" fires that swept through residential neighborhoods. Gas and water mains were ruptured leaving no defense against the engulfing flames. More people were killed by the massive fires than from the actual earthquake. An estimated 225,000 people (out of 400,000 living in San Francisco) were left homeless by the devastation. The massive exodus to the ferry became a problem as people scrambled to get out of the burning city. Others took up residence outside of the Ferry Building or in parks and public squares. Looting became such a problem that Mayor E. E. Schmitz issued an order for police officers to shoot any looters or others breaking the law. All told the earthquake and fire caused an estimated $350,000,000 to $500,000,000 in damages.

The description listed next to each image is transcribed directly from the information written on the back of each photograph. Note that the date on the back of the photographs incorrectly date the earthquake as March.