1906 — The most severe earthquake in U.S. history hits the San Francisco area. It is followed by fire and destroys most of the city’s central area. Damage is estimated at about $400 million and nearly 700 people are killed.

• The Pure Food and Drug Act prohibits the sale of impure foods and drugs and requires a statement of contents on all labels.
• Upton Sinclair, writer, publishes The Jungle. The book’s lurid description of the meat packing industry causes the passage of the Meat Inspection Act.
• O. Henry’s The Four Million is published and includes his most famous work, “The Gift of the Magi.”
• Reginald Fessenden broadcasts the first radio program that has both voice and music components.
• “Typhoid Mary,” a carrier of typhoid fever who has worked as a cook in institutions and private homes, is finally found after eight years. Although she is healthy, she is confined by health authorities until her death, 28 year later.