Shortly after 5 a.m., residents of San Francisco were roused by a violent shaking of the ground, marking the beginnings of a day that would forever be remembered in U.S. history, April 18, 1906.
Researchers now claim that the initial rupture of the San Andreas fault was a magnitude of 7.8 and, followed by several aftershocks throughout the day, left the city in rubble with fires spreading throughout and consuming much that was left. The quake was said to have been felt as far north as southern Oregon, south to Los Angeles, and inland to Nevada.
Damages
The Great San Francisco Earthquake, and the subsequent fires, devoured homes and businesses, and it is speculated that more than 700 people perished in the destruction. Although many now claim that the fatalities could have been up to three times that amount. The damage forced much of the survivors to resided in cabins at large refugee camps, some of which still stand today, until their homes were rebuilt. The corrupt city government that existed before the quake was quickly disassembled and the reconstruction movement began.
Reconstruction
Despite nearly $400 million in property loss, a new city emerged from the ruins quickly to maintain San Francisco's financial status in the U.S. However, in the hasty recovery, building standards were decreased, leaving the city vulnerable to further devastation by natural disaster.
Construction ended by 1915, the city completely restored with a memorial fountain in the city's financial district called Lotta's Fountain. The incident became known as the worst disturbance in the insurance industry until the 9/11 attacks.
Other Earthquake Events
Another earthquake plagued San Francisco in 1989, with six deaths and $3 billion in damages. This quake was recorded as 7.1 in magnitude and wreaked havoc on the city and outlying areas, resulting in a $3.45 billion earthquake relief effort by President Bush for California.
After the 1989 earthquake, many home and business owners have taken measures to ensure their saftey and the preservation of property in the event of another quake and disaster insuraunce is common throughout the city. Despite these destructive incidences, San Francisco's financial institutions and tourism continues to thrive.
