James D. Phelan monument, 1906 San Francisco earthquake and fire
Description:
View of horse-drawn wagons passing in front of James D. Phelan monument during aftermath of 1906 earthquake and fire in San Francisco, California. Ruined buildings in background. Typed on back: "L-1404. San Francisco, April, 1906, an earthquake, a fire, a desolate ruin, in which the fledgling auto proved itself to a nation. As fire levelled 3/4 of the city, the automobile became the only dependable wheeled vehicle that moved in the stricken city. Nearly 500 city blocks were destroyed and 1/4 million people were left homeless as a result of the catastrophe. Also see L-1405, L-1406 and L-535." Handwritten on back: "Street scenes."
