Personal accounts
The great quake of 1906 is now known to be the greatest natural disaster in the history of the United States. To tell this harrowing story we followed a personal approach by using the diaries, written accounts and observations of those caught up in the tragedy.
A socialite photographer, who also suffered great material losses, captured images of the devastation as well as the faces of those who suffered over those terrible three days. A young, eloquent reporter who recounted his personal experiences during the quake and the fire. Records of the notorious mayor and his battle for control of the city enabled us to get a sense of the political struggle that existed at the time.
The fire chief - a major opponent of the mayor and the corrupt administration - who fought unsuccessfully for improvements to the antiquated fire-fighting systems of the city. He was mortally injured as the quake struck and died as his city was virtually destroyed by fire. All these diverse characters helped to paint a vivid and colourful picture of the life and times in the city in 1906.
Published: 2005-11-22