The Great San Francisco Earthquake of 1906

The Great San Francisco Earthquake of 1906 was a powerful seismic event occurring on April 18, caused by a rupture along the San Andreas Fault. Measuring approximately 7.9 magnitude, it released tremendous energy, resulting in intense shaking across San Francisco. The earthquake caused extensive damage to buildings, infrastructure, and sparked widespread fires that further devastated the city. It is considered one of the most significant earthquakes in U.S. history, highlighting the region's geological instability and leading to advances in earthquake understanding and building codes. The disaster resulted in over 3,000 deaths and left thousands homeless.