1906 San Francisco Earthquake

1906 San Francisco Earthquake

The San Francisco earthquake of 1906 was a major earthquake that struck San Francisco and the coast of Northern California at 5:12 a.m. on Wednesday, April 18, 1906. Devastating fires broke out in the city and lasted for several days. As a result of the quake and fires, about 3,000 people died and over 80% of San Francisco was destroyed.

The earthquake and resulting fire are remembered as one of the worst natural disasters in the history of the United States alongside the Galveston Hurricane of 1900 and Hurricane Katrina in 2005. The death toll from the earthquake and resulting fire is the greatest loss of life from a natural disaster in California's history. The economic impact has been compared with the more recent Hurricane Katrina.

Read more about 1906 San Francisco Earthquake:  Impact, Magnitude and Geology, Subsequent Fires, U.S. Army's Role, Relocation and Housing, Aftermath and Reconstruction, International Assistance and Insurance Payments, Centennial Commemorations, Analysis, In Popular Culture

Famous quotes containing the words san, francisco and/or earthquake:

    “Today, San Francisco has experienced a double tragedy of incredible proportions. As acting mayor, I order an immediate state of mourning in our city. The city and county of San Francisco must and will pull itself together at this time. We will carry on as best as we possibly can.... I think we all have to share the same sense of shame and the same sense of outrage.”
    —Dianne Feinstein (b. 1933)

    “Swan/Mary Rutledge: Oh no, no. I’m not running away. I came here to get something, and I’m going to get it.
    Col. Cobb: Yes, but San Francisco is no place for a woman.
    Swan: Why not? I’m not afraid. I like the fog. I like this new world. I like the noise of something happening.... I’m tired of dreaming, Colonel Cobb. I’m staying. I’m staying and holding out my hands for gold—bright, yellow gold.”
    —Ben Hecht (1893–1964)

    “It is crystal clear to me that if Arabs put down a draft resolution blaming Israel for the recent earthquake in Iran it would probably have a majority, the U.S. would veto it and Britain and France would abstain.”
    —Amos Oz (b. 1939)