How the 1906 San Francisco Earthquake Shaped Economic Activity in the American West

Philipp Ager, Katherine Eriksson (), Casper Hansen and Lønstrup, Lars

No 13632, CEPR Discussion Papers from C.E.P.R. Discussion Papers

Abstract: This paper examines the long-run effects of the 1906 San Francisco Earthquake on the spatial distribution of economic activity in the American West. Using variation in the potential damage intensity of the earthquake, we show that more severely affected cities experienced lower population increases relative to less affected cities until the late 20th century. This long-lasting effect is largely a result of individuals’ high geographical mobility at that time. Less affected areas became more attractive migration destinations in the immediate aftermath of the earthquake, which permanently changed the spatial distribution of economic activity in the American West.

Keywords: Economic geography; Location of economic activity; Migration; Natural disasters; American west (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: N9 O15 O40 R11 R12 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2019-03
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-geo, nep-gro, nep-his and nep-ure
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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Journal Article: How the 1906 San Francisco earthquake shaped economic activity in the American West (2020)
Working Paper: How the 1906 San Francisco Earthquake Shaped Economic Activity in the American West (2019)
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