Description
Come along for a journey that weaves the tales of the people whose names adorn many San Francisco buildings into a collage of the city’s whole story. Meet the honorable (and not-so-honorable) men who forged San Francisco into the most important city in America’s west for about a century. Learn about famous bankers, railroad barons, and silver kings, as well as the fur traders who supplied the sealskin pelts for millions of fashionable top hats.
Many people know about the Gold Rush, but few are familiar with the scope and significance of the Silver Bonanza that financially eclipsed its predecessor. Businessman William Chapman Ralston and his highly regarded partner, Darious Ogden Mills, crafted the Bank of California into a monopoly during the first half of the Bonanza. Ralston’s “Bank Ring” ultimately gained control of many mines, mills, railroads, and water supply systems. Profits from his mines poured not only into individual pockets, but also the City of San Francisco itself, transforming the city’s wealth and importance.
Travel from the gold rush up to the present day on this exploration of San Francisco’s fascinating history. With so many stories to discover, people to meet, and treasured secrets to find, you won’t want to miss this captivating experience!