What began as a fishing town, and exploded during the gold rush, has evolved into a fascinating, beautiful, and fun town. With over 7 million residents in the metro area, San Francisco is a bustling community with cable cars, the Golden Gate Bridge, and many cultural centers. This pacific coast city hosts all kinds of visitors, conventions, and events throughout the year. Here are some fast facts about this amazing city:
- San Francisco is the fourth largest city in California.
- Nicknames: The City by the Bay, the Golden Gate City
- The climate is cool and comfortable, with the sun shining 60 out of 100 possible hours.
- San Francisco is approximately 2,584 miles away from Washington D.C.
- It is in the Pacific Time Zone.
- The city was named in 1848 and had only 469 inhabitants at the time.
- The city was named for St. Francis of Assisi.
- By 1852, the city had swelled to almost 35,000 people, thanks to the gold rush.
- Chinese fortune cookies were invented here and are still manufactured here today.
- In 1906, one of the most significant earthquakes of all time occurred here. The ground broke open more than 270 miles long along the San Andreas Fault, and the quake registered an 8.25 on the Richter Scale. The quake caused an unbelievable fire that raged for 3 days, destroyed Chinatown and burned an area of more than 4.7 miles. Claiming more than 6000 lives, it has been called the worst natural disaster in U.S. History.
- The Golden Gate Bridge's construction started in 1933.
- The San Francisco cable cars are the only moving national landmark in the United States.
- Several films have been shot or partially shot here, including Vertigo, The Graduate, American Graffiti, Superman and Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark.
You will find many more interesting facts when you visit here and see all the amazing attractions, museums, parks, shopping areas, and areas of interest.
