San Francisco is sprawled across no less than 43
hills. It’s lapped by water on three sides, nestled
in a spot that is frequently wreathed in swirling
fog. Throw in cable cars, a world famous bridge
and a prison island and it’s easy to see why this is
one of the USA’s most fascinating cities.
GOLD RUSH
The discovery of gold in the
nearby town of Coloma in 1848 caused men from
across the globe to flock to California in search of a
slice of the riches. The Gold Rush was over in a few
short years, but it changed San Francisco forever. The
arrival of money and hordes of people transformed the
former fishing village into a world famous city.
THE GREAT GOLDEN
GATE BRIDGE
Stretching 2.7km (1.7mi) across
San Francisco Bay, the magnificent Golden Gate Bridge is one of the
seven wonders of the modern world. Two huge cables containing over
128,750km (80,000mi) of wire support it – enough to circle the Earth
three times over. The bridge’s famous deep orange paintwork makes
it easier for ships to spot. Despite this, on some days the fog is so
thick the bridge can disappear from view completely.
UGLY LAW
The city once had an
outrageous rule that stopped
people it considered to be unattractive
from appearing in public. Nicknamed
the ‘Ugly Law’, those banned from the
streets included anyone with an unsightly
disability or disease, as well as residents
who were maimed or mutilated. The law,
which was introduced in 1867, has since
been abolished. Today San Francisco
is known for its warm and
welcoming attitude.
KILLER QUAKES
In 1906 San Francisco was rocked by a terrible
earthquake. Around 3,000 people died and over
80 per cent of the city wasdestroyed. This was
the deadliest natural disaster to hit California, but
unfortunately it wasn’t a one-off.
San Francisco is located on
a fault line, so another
large earthquake
could strike at
any time.
ISLAND PRISON
For nearly 30 years the small island of Alcatraz in San Francisco Bay
was home to one of America’s most famous prisons. Nicknamed ‘the
Rock’, the jail was said to be impossible to escape from, although many
tried. None of the 36 men who attempted to flee were thought to be
successful, however five prisoners are listed as missing. They are believed
to have drowned, even though their bodies have never been found…
ON A ROLL
San Franciscans are determined to
do all they can to protect their city from
earthquakes. All new buildings are now
specially constructed so they can withstand
tremors. Even the airport was built on large
steel ball bearings to allow it to move
without collapsing when a quake strikes.
LOVABLE LOCALS
Pier 39 is home to some of the city’s
noisiest residents – hundreds of California sea
lions! Arriving at the pier after an earthquake in
1989, the playful creatures were considered
a nuisance at first, but soon became
a hit with locals and
tourists alike.
HELP ON
THE HILLS
A packed cable car climbing a steep
city street is one of San Francisco’s
most iconic sights. The vehicles were
introduced nearly 150 years ago to
replace the horse-drawn streetcars,
which struggled to travel on the
slippery hill roads. The easy hop-on,
hop-off system and the way the cars
spirit you effortlessly up leg-achingly
sharp slopes have made them
a much loved part
of the city.