1906 Weidner Map or Panoramic View of San Francisco before the 1906 Earthquake

This is a 1906 C. Weidner photographic panorama map or view of San Francisco, California. The map depicts San Francisco from Telegraph Hill to the Call Building and from San Francisco across San Francisco Bay. On the opposite side of the bay, Berkeley, Goat Island, Oakland, and Alameda are labeled, although their exact location is not easily discernable. Fourteen buildings are listed along the bottom border, including the Palace Hotel, the Merchants' Exchange Building, and Grace Episcopal Church. Several boats and ships, of varying sizes, can be seen in San Francisco Bay, some of which are moored along the wharves.

The title of the view specifically states that the photograph was taken before April 18th, 1906, the day of the 1906 San Francisco Earthquake. The earthquake struck at 5:12 a.m. on the morning of April 18th, with an estimated magnitude of 7.8. Following the earthquake, devastating fires broke out across the city and lasted for several days. The fires resulted in about 3,000 fatalities and over 80% of the city was destroyed. These events are remembered as one of the worst natural disasters in American history. Photographs of the destruction caused by the earthquake and the fires are included on the verso.

This map was copyrighted by C. Weidner and published by the A. L. Hettrich Co. of San Francisco.