The 1906 San Francisco earthquake destroyed over 80% of the city’s infrastructure and 28,000 buildings. Over 3,000 people died in this devastating disaster, and 250,000 people were rendered homeless. Buildings swayed crazily, and their facades collapsed, draft horses galloped in blind terror and brick walls tumbled into the street, raising acrid clouds of choking dust.

Despite this devastating destruction caused by the earthquake and firestorm, San Francisco recovered quickly and effectively. The destruction actually allowed the architects and planners to rebuild a new and improved city.

These stunning then and now photos perfectly depict the destruction and recovery of the places destroyed in an earthquake, created by blending images of destruction with the normal present-day life by Shawn Clover. The technique is a clever way to visualize the past and present it as one. Also, check cities during and after WWII.