The earliest wisps of morning light have begun to seep into the springtime sky on April 18, 1906, when a violent rumble rocks you awake.

The earthquake that shakes San Francisco — along with its resulting fire — is the most destructive event in recorded American history. You sprint up Mason to Sacramento Street to watch your city burn:

THE SAN FRANCISCO EARTHQUAKE AND FIRE, APRIL 18, 1906

After the earthquake, the city rebuilds again. Instead of joining the competition for low bids, you accept your retirement and move to the Western Addition neighborhood.

When you near the end of your life, you don’t even think about Kinderhook, the gold rush, or that interminable steamer journey — San Francisco is your family’s home, and will remain so for generations to come.

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