1906 Earthquake: The Aftermath

People on Sacramento Street watch smoke rise from fires after a severe earthquake in San Francisco, on April 18, 1906.

This photo shows the buckled pavement and curbstones at the corner of 18th Street and Lexington Street resulting from the earthquake on April 18, 1906 in San Francisco.

A section of San Francisco, looking east across Grant Avenue toward Yerba Buena Island, shows the ravages of the great earthquake and the resulting fires that nearly leveled the city, April 18, 1906.

A proclamation from Mayor E.E. Schmitz of San Francisco informs and warns citizens following the devastating earthquake that nearly decimated the city, April 18, 1906.

What is left of a building facade tumbles to the street, following the devastating earthquake that nearly decimated San Francisco, April 18, 1906.

Damage to row houses on Howard Street in San Francisco is in evidence as signs of life return to the street following the massive earthquake, April 18, 1906.

Fires rage out of control following the devastating earthquake that nearly leveled San Francisco, April 18, 1906.

Extensive earthquake and fire damage to the Majestic Theater in San Francisco is shown, six hours after its last performance, April 18, 1906.

The Valencia Street Hotel lists precariously in the middle of the street as crowds gather following the devastating earthquake that shook San Francisco, April 18, 1906, nearly leveling the city.

San Francisco residents take refuge in Union Square following the massive earthquake and subsequent fires that nearly leveled the city, April 18, 1905.

A view of a refugee camp set up for survivors of the massive earthquake that nearly leveled San Francisco, 1906.