San Francisco History
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The Call Building - San Francisco
To learn the history of The Call Building, San Francisco's first skyscraper, LoveToKnow interviewed James R. Smith, a San Francisco historian and the author of San Francisco's Lost Landmarks. The author says: ''While the Ferry Building is arguably the most famous of our classic buildings and the Transamerica Pyramid the most noted modern building, the Call Building, also called the Spreckels Building, marked an era when San Francisco was undergoing a major transformation. The city had earned its reputation as a world-class city, leaving its frontier persona behind. San Francisco strove to be best with the finest hotels, the ultimate cuisine and buildings that reflected new wealth and power. The Call Building's design and construction raised the stakes."
Alcatraz Facts
One trip to Alcatraz is simply not enough to learn all there is to know about this legendary prison in the San Francisco Bay. If you're planning a visit to "The Rock," here are some useful tips and background information to enhance your experience, as well as details on scheduling a tour.
Golden Gate Park History
Golden Gate Park history is something that many travelers to San Francisco wonder about. What is the story behind the biggest of San Francisco attractions? Read on!
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San Francisco has a rich history.
San Francisco has a very interesting past to explore, and many people visit the Bay Area wanting to know more about San Francisco's history. From its beginnings as a mission town founded in the 18th century, San Francisco in built upon a rich historical foundation.
A Wealth of San Francisco History
San Francisco is brimming with hundreds of years worth of fascinating history. Even though it's only seven miles across in all directions, this micro-metropolis has countless historical landmarks scattered throughout its borders. Our beautiful City by the Bay is full of monuments; be sure to plan your trip so that you can check out places like Coit Tower, Alcatraz Prison, and the Golden Gate Bridge. Wherever you go, San Francisco history sites are right around the corner.
1906 and 1989 San Francisco Earthquakes
Earthquakes are a big part of San Francisco history. San Francisco has experienced two major earthquakes in the past one hundred years or so, one in 1906 and another in 1989. The 1906 quake, which occurred when the San Andrea fault slipped along the coast, measured a magnitude of 7.8. The earthquake and resulting fires destroyed much of the City's downtown and left thousands of people homeless.
In 1989, the Loma Prieta earthquake measured a magnitude of 6.9, also along the San Andreas fault line. Far fewer people were killed in this quake, though many homes and major highways were left in ruins - including the upper span of the Bay Bridge. In fact, many newcomers to The City do not know that a two-level Highway 101 structure used to run down The Embarcadero, right along the waterfront. It was removed in 1990 due to extensive earthquake damage.