San Francisco Earthquake Collections

On April 18, 1906, at 5:12 a.m., San Francisco was nearly destroyed by a great earthquake and an ensuing devastating fire. The earthquake ranks as one of the most significant earthquakes of all time. It was felt from southern Oregon to south of Los Angeles and inland as far as central Nevada. The letters and documents in these collections give a glimpse of life in the days and months after the quake. ** Please note that historical materials in the San Francisco Earthquake Collections may include viewpoints and values that are not consistent with the values of the California State Library or the State of California and may be considered offensive. Materials must be viewed in the context of the relevant time period, but views are in no way endorsed by the State Library. The California State Library’s mission is to provide credible information services to all Californians and, as such, the content of historical materials should be transcribed as it appears in the original document.