The great San Francisco earthquake and fires provided many historical firsts: an earthquake destroying a modern metropolis, the cost of insurance settlements, and using photography to capture the effects of a major natural disaster. Photography in the early 1900s was a laborious process requiring bulky cameras, glass plates, and hours spent in a darkroom - making these achievements all the more remarkable. Using the camera to chronicle the disaster's effects adds a unique element to the historical record and compliments the superlative written accounts of the event.
Imagery best conveys the scale and utter devastation of the earthquake and fires; each gallery covers a unique topic that provides a distinct perspective – a look at Chinatown, grandiose Nob Hill reduced to smoldering ruins, or otherworldly fire scenes engulfing entire city blocks – each is poignant and important. The photographs reveal a compelling vision of the people and the city, the suffering and the destruction, the renewed hope, and the city's undaunted spirit.
To enjoy the galleries fully, you will need:
To use the galleries' features: