THE PLAQUE IS READY!

1906 Earthquake and Fire Memorial

incredible as it may sound, San Francisco has no designated memorial for the Great Earthquake and Fire of 1906. While many consider Market Street’s Lotta’s Fountain, Golden Gate Park’s Portals of the Past, and the golden fire hydrant at the corner of 20th and Church Streets to be memorials, none of them have ever been designated as such, and none tell the story of the defining event in San Francisco’s history.

Seeking to rectify this oversight, the San Francisco History Association raised the money to create a plaque with photos and information to be placed on the de Young Building at the corner of Market and Geary Streets to serve as the Great Earthquake and Fire of 1906 Memorial.  The official unveiling will take place on Saturday, February 10, 2024, at noon.

We chose this location because of its proximity to Lotta’s Fountain, the site of the annual commemoration of the earthquake and fire, as well as the building’s distinction of having survived the conflagration. 

The 45" x 72" cast aluminum plaque has been placed on the Geary Street side of the building, clearly visible from Lotta’s Fountain. To explain the history of the disaster to residents and visitors, it features a map of the burn area, the story of the disaster, and some history of the de Young Building. 

All donations are tax-deductible and will include a special thanks on the History Association’s website.