San Francisco, California - 1908 Fire and Reconstruction Map

San Francisco, California - 1908 Fire and Reconstruction Map

Witness San Francisco's remarkable recovery with this detailed 1908 map documenting the devastation of the Great Earthquake and Fire of April 18, 1906, and the extraordinary rebuilding effort that followed. Published by the California Promotion Committee, this street plan dramatically illustrates both the scope of disaster—over four square miles of the city reduced to ashes—and the determination of San Franciscans who rebuilt their city with astonishing speed in just two years.

The Burned District and Phoenix Rising

This meticulously detailed street map reveals the full extent of the 1906 catastrophe and the remarkable reconstruction that followed. The red-shaded burned area sprawls across the map, showing exactly which neighborhoods, blocks, and streets were consumed by the three-day conflagration that followed the devastating earthquake. Downtown, the financial district, Chinatown, and densely-populated residential areas all fell within the fire zone that destroyed 497 city blocks and left over 250,000 residents homeless. The black markings show buildings constructed or under construction during the two years following the disaster, documenting the extraordinary pace of rebuilding. Statistics in the legend quantify the recovery: building permits issued, structures demolished, and new construction rising from the ruins. The unshaded areas reveal portions of San Francisco that survived, providing shelter and serving as bases for the massive reconstruction effort that would transform the disaster into an opportunity to build a modern, fireproof city.

Historical Significance

The Great San Francisco Earthquake and Fire of April 18, 1906 ranks among America's worst urban disasters. The massive earthquake, estimated at 7.9 magnitude, struck at 5:12 AM, collapsing buildings and rupturing gas mains throughout the city. The resulting fires, fed by broken water mains that left firefighters helpless, burned for three days and consumed over 80% of San Francisco. An estimated 3,000 people perished, and the economic losses exceeded $400 million—equivalent to over $11 billion today. Yet within days of the disaster, San Franciscans began rebuilding with remarkable determination. This 1908 map, created just two years after the catastrophe, documents the astounding pace of recovery. By 1908, thousands of new buildings had risen, most constructed with modern fireproof materials and improved building codes. The reconstruction demonstrated San Francisco's resilience and transformed the city from a collection of Victorian wooden structures into a modern metropolis. Within a decade, San Francisco would host the 1915 Panama-Pacific International Exposition, showcasing its complete recovery to the world.

Museum-Quality Reproduction

This is a high-quality reproduction of the original 1908 fire and reconstruction map, professionally printed using museum-grade methods and materials to preserve every detail of this crucial historical document.

Perfect For:

• San Francisco residents and Bay Area history enthusiasts
• Students of earthquake engineering and urban disaster recovery
• Collectors documenting San Francisco's transformation
• Anyone fascinated by resilience and urban rebirth
• Gift-giving for California natives and history lovers

Specifications:

• Original Publication: 1908
• Publisher: The California Promotion Committee, California Building, Union Square, San Francisco
• Surveyed and drawn by: Punnett Brothers, 309 Macdonough Building
• Style: Street plan map with burned district marked and new construction shown
• Coverage: April 18, 1906 earthquake/fire through 1908 reconstruction
• Features: Red-shaded burned area (4 square miles), black markings for new construction, building permit statistics
• Historical Context: Two years after 1906 earthquake and fire
• Product Type: High-Quality Reproduction Print

Dimensions (Width x Height): 30 x 22.5

Each map is printed using the finest materials and methods. Your map will be handled with white gloves from start to finish. We use the Giclee printing method on Hahnemuhle paper, which produces a clear, extremely detailed, durable map that is perfect to be proudly displayed in your home or office.

Digital watermark does not appear on your purchased map.