At 5:12 on the morning of April 18, 1906, most of San Francisco’s 400,000 residents were asleep. Then the shaking began. A massive earthquake, later estimated at magnitude 7.9, ruptured 296 miles of the San Andreas Fault. For 45 to 60 seconds, the ground tore apart at nearly two miles per second. The quake was felt from southern Oregon down to Los Angeles, with its epicenter just a few miles off the coast of the sleeping city. Near Point Reyes, the ground shifted a staggering 20 feet. Buildings collapsed and streets buckled. But the first shock was just the beginning. The true devastation for San Francisco was yet to come, from an even more relentless force.
The San Francisco Earthquake
On April 18, 1906, a 7.9 magnitude quake hit San Francisco, but it was the fire that followed that destroyed 80% of the city.
Chapter 1
The Big One
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Frequently Asked Questions
How big was the 1906 San Francisco earthquake?
The earthquake is estimated to have had a magnitude of 7.9. It ruptured a 296-mile segment of the San Andreas Fault, and the shaking lasted for approximately 45 to 60 seconds. The immense energy released was felt from southern Oregon all the way to Los Angeles.
Was the earthquake or the fire more destructive?
While the initial earthquake caused significant damage, the fires that followed were far more destructive. Broken water mains left firefighters unable to combat the flames, which burned for four days and destroyed about 80% of San Francisco, covering nearly 500 city blocks.
Did the military really shoot looters?
Yes, Mayor Eugene Schmitz issued a proclamation authorizing federal troops and police to 'KILL any and all persons found engaged in Looting.' While the mayor lacked the legal authority, the order was enforced, and it is estimated that dozens of people were shot and killed.
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