The Seismic Catastrophe of 1906

The 1906 San Francisco earthquake was a pivotal event that reshaped the city and advanced earthquake science. The disaster, caused by the San Andreas Fault, resulted in widespread destruction and fires, leaving over half the population homeless. The survival of landmarks like the Ferry Building highlighted the importance of seismic-resistant design. The earthquake also led to key scientific discoveries, including the elastic rebound theory, and spurred advancements in earthquake preparedness and building technologies. The lessons learned continue to inform disaster resilience efforts, with the Ferry Building standing as a symbol of hope and recovery.