The history of the city of San Francisco, California, and its development as a center of maritime trade, were shaped by its location at the entrance to a large natural harbor. San Francisco is the name of both the city and the county; the two share the same boundaries. Only lightly settled by European-Americans at first, after becoming the base for the gold rush of 1849 the city quickly became the largest and most important population, commercial, naval, and financial center in the American West. San Francisco was devastated by a great earthquake and fire in 1906 but was quickly rebuilt. The San Francisco Federal Reserve Branch opened in 1914, and the city continued to develop as a major business city throughout the first half of the 20th century.
Construction begins on Tower of Jewels for the San Francisco Exposition
The history of the city of San Francisco, California, and its development as a center of maritime trade, were shaped by its location at the entrance to a large natural harbor.
Historical Significance
The history of the city of San Francisco, California, and its development as a center of maritime trade, were shaped by its location at the entrance to a large natural harbor.
Events Before
The US Post Office begins parcel post delivery
The Bronx General Post Office (also known as the Bronx Central Post Office or Bronx Central Annex) is a historic post office building at 558 Grand Concourse in the South Bronx in New York City, New…
British House of Commons accepts Home Rule for Ireland (but the Great War gets in the way of it happening)
British House of Commons accepts Home Rule for Ireland (but the Great War gets in the way of it happening)
China's National Assembly opens in Peking, the first free democratic parliament in Chinese history
The National Assembly was the legislative branch of the Beiyang government during the Republican era of Chinese history.
US Admiral Chester Nimitz (28) weds Catherine Freeman (21) in Wollaston, Massachusetts
US Admiral Chester Nimitz (28) weds Catherine Freeman (21) in Wollaston, Massachusetts
US Actors' Equity Association forms (NYC)
The 1919 Actors' Equity Association strike officially spanned from August 7, 1919, to September 6, 1919.
Events After
"The Birth of a Nation" the first 12-reel film in America, directed by D. W. Griffith, starring Lillian Gish and Mae Mar
"The Birth of a Nation" the first 12-reel film in America, directed by D. W. Griffith, starring Lillian Gish and Mae Marsh, premieres at Clune's Auditorium in Los Angeles
French forces attempt to drive the Germans back into the Champagne region during World War I, gaining a few hundred yard
French forces attempt to drive the Germans back into the Champagne region during World War I, gaining a few hundred yards at the cost of 50,000 casualties
First military use of poison gas occurs when Germany uses chlorine gas against the Allies along the Western Front at Ypr
First military use of poison gas occurs when Germany uses chlorine gas against the Allies along the Western Front at Ypres, France in World War I [1]
First landings at Gaba Tepe and Cape Helles on the Gallipoli Peninsula by ANZAC forces during World War I
The landing at Anzac Cove on Sunday, 25 April 1915, also known as the landing at Gaba Tepe and, to the Turks, as the Arıburnu Battle, was part of the amphibious invasion of the Gallipoli Peninsula by...
RMS Lusitania is sunk by a German submarine off the southern coast of Ireland, with 1,198 lives lost
RMS Lusitania is sunk by a German submarine off the southern coast of Ireland, with 1,198 lives lost
More from the 1910s
Hank Greenberg is born
Hank Greenberg, American athlete, known for american baseball player, was born on 1911-01-01.
Belgian mining law introduces a 9.5-hour workday
Belgian mining law introduces a 9.5-hour workday
First running of San Francisco's famed "Bay to Breakers" footrace (7.63 miles/12.3 km); Robert Vlught wins in 44:10
First running of San Francisco's famed "Bay to Breakers" footrace (7.63 miles/12.3 km); Robert Vlught wins in 44:10
The US Post Office begins parcel post delivery
The Bronx General Post Office (also known as the Bronx Central Post Office or Bronx Central Annex) is a historic post office building at 558 Grand Concourse in the South Bronx in New York City, New…
Frequently Asked Questions
- What happened on February 28, 1914?
- The history of the city of San Francisco, California, and its development as a center of maritime trade, were shaped by its location at the entrance to a large natural harbor. San Francisco is the name of both the city and the county; the two share the same boundaries. Only lightly settled by European-Americans at first, after becoming the base for the gold rush of 1849 the city quickly became the largest and most important population, commercial, naval, and financial center in the American West.
- Why is Construction begins on Tower of Jewels for the San Francisco Exposition significant?
- The history of the city of San Francisco, California, and its development as a center of maritime trade, were shaped by its location at the entrance to a large natural harbor.