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Bank of California
This 1908 structure sits on the site of the Bank of California which burned in the 1906 earthquake.
The Bank of California was built by William Chapman Ralston -- a financial heavy-weight in San Francisco with investments in the Comstock Lode. His Bank of California was the first commercial bank in the state.
Known for his lavish events and wealth, Ralston was not spared during the Panic of 1873 when there was a public run on his bank. He died during his regular swim in San Francisco Bay shortly thereafter.
The Bank of California is San Francisco Landmark #3.
