New Pics of 1906 Earthquake Released

Muni photos show city devastated by earthquake.

Earlier this year, California history buffs were treated to newly discovered color photographs taken in 1906 documenting San Francisco's deadly earthquake.

Now, there's another cache of images being released to the public.

The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency has started posting never-before-released photos taken right after the quake. Although these shots weren't taken in color, this batch still paints a vivid portrait of a city in ruins. The photographer was John Henry Mentz, an employee of one of the many rail operators that preceded today's transit system.

One particularly vivid photos shows refugees in Alamo Square, just feet from the "Full House" houses, watching a city engulfed in fire and smoke.

Historians have been bowled over by the photos of the devastation, and hope that Muni's newfound spirit of openness will continue. There's no telling what other historical resources they may have locked away.

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