Great San Francisco Earthquake (1906)

The 1906 Great San Francisco Earthquake was a powerful seismic event that struck California on April 18, 1906. It was caused by a rupture along the San Andreas Fault, resulting in a magnitude of about 7.8. The quake shook the city intensely, causing widespread destruction, fires, and loss of life. Many buildings collapsed, and neighborhoods were devastated. The event highlighted the region's seismic risks, leading to improvements in building codes and earthquake preparedness. It remains one of the most significant and studied earthquakes in U.S. history, shaping how cities understand and prepare for natural disasters.