Military Camp on the Fourth Day After the 1906 San Francisco Earthquake
1906
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The original caption for this photograph reads: More military help - 4th day.
On Wednesday, April 18, 1906, a loud rumbling broke the predawn silence. It lasted only about a minute, yet the force of the earthquake toppled buildings and caused water and gas mains to twist and break. Almost immediately after the shockwaves ceased, fires erupted across the city and burned uncontrollably for three days. Over 500 city blocks lay in ruins.
In the aftermath of the earthquake and fire, over 250,000 people – more than half of San Francisco's population – became homeless. Refugee camps sprang up around the city. Hospitals were filled with the injured, many of whom did not survive.
On Wednesday, April 18, 1906, a loud rumbling broke the predawn silence. It lasted only about a minute, yet the force of the earthquake toppled buildings and caused water and gas mains to twist and break. Almost immediately after the shockwaves ceased, fires erupted across the city and burned uncontrollably for three days. Over 500 city blocks lay in ruins.
In the aftermath of the earthquake and fire, over 250,000 people – more than half of San Francisco's population – became homeless. Refugee camps sprang up around the city. Hospitals were filled with the injured, many of whom did not survive.
This primary source comes from the Records of the U.S. Senate.
National Archives Identifier: 2127305
Full Citation: Photograph of a Military Camp on the Fourth Day After the 1906 San Francisco Earthquake; 1906; Committee Papers of the Senate Committee on Printing of the 60th Congress; Committee Papers, 1842 - 1946; Records of the U.S. Senate, Record Group 46; National Archives Building, Washington, DC. [Online Version, https://docsteach.org/documents/document/camp-san-francisco-earthquake, January 25, 2025]Rights: Public Domain, Free of Known Copyright Restrictions. Learn more on our privacy and legal page.