In the misty hills and foggy streets of San Francisco lie tales of spirits lingering from times long past, haunting the city's landmarks and neighborhoods with stories yet untold. From the indigenous peoples who first inhabited the land to the gold miners who rushed in seeking fortune, from the devastation of the 1906 earthquake to the modern complexities of urban life, the ghosts of San Francisco traverse time and space, leaving their spectral imprint on the city's fabric.

These ghosts are a diverse array of souls from different eras and backgrounds. Among them are the Ohlone people, the original inhabitants of the region, whose spirits roam the lands that were once their home. There are also miners who met tragic ends in the pursuit of gold, victims of the 1906 earthquake and subsequent fires, sailors lost at sea, immigrants seeking a new life in America, and many others whose stories have been lost to time.

The ghosts of San Francisco are not confined to any single location but can be found throughout the city, haunting its iconic landmarks and lesser-known corners alike. They wander the fog-shrouded streets of Chinatown, linger in the historic halls of the Presidio, haunt the ruins of buildings destroyed in the 1906 earthquake, and even traverse the towering spans of the Golden Gate Bridge.

These spirits are not bound by the constraints of time and often appear when least expected, their apparitions manifesting in moments of quiet reflection or sudden turmoil. Some ghosts are said to be more active during certain times of the year, such as the anniversary of the 1906 earthquake, while others are eternal wanderers, appearing whenever they are summoned by the whispers of the past.

The reasons behind the presence of these ghosts vary as much as the spirits themselves. Some are trapped by unresolved conflicts or unfulfilled desires, while others linger out of a sense of duty or loyalty to the places and people they once knew. Some seek vengeance or redemption, while others simply yearn for connection in a world that has long since forgotten them.

The activities of these ghosts are as diverse as their reasons for haunting. Some may be seen wandering aimlessly, lost in memories of their past lives, while others may actively interact with the living, whether to seek solace, deliver messages from beyond, or exact retribution upon those who wronged them. Some ghosts may even be guardians of the city, watching over its inhabitants and protecting them from unseen dangers.

In the tapestry of San Francisco's history, the ghosts of the past are woven into the fabric of the present, their presence a reminder of the city's rich and often tumultuous heritage. Whether seen as harbingers of doom or benevolent spirits guiding the way, these spectral residents serve as a testament to the enduring legacy of those who came before.

(This book has black and white photographs. A full-color version is available under the title "Haunted California: The Ghosts of San Francisco.")