FoundSF

Unfinished History

When the Japanese surrendered in August, 1945, a raucous celebration began in San Francisco that didn't end for three days. As the booze flowed and the party continued, violence broke out and dozens were injured.

Bonfire on Market Street, August 15, 1945.

Photo: San Francisco History Center, San Francisco Public Library

Another view of bonfires on Market Street.

Photo: provenance unknown

Intersection of Market and Mason, August 18, 1945.

Photo: San Francisco History Center, San Francisco Public Library

Riotous celebrations in San Francisco and Redwood City, California as soldiers, sailors and civilians celebrate the end of World War II.

Video: Prelinger Archives

Crowd overturns newspaper delivery truck, August 15, 1945.

Photo: San Francisco History Center, San Francisco Public Library

The USS Monterey returning to Pier 15 with homebound troops, October 19, 1945.

Photo: San Francisco Maritime National History Museum, P82-019A_4267

The USS Monterey returning to Pier 15 with homebound troops, October 19, 1945.

Photo: San Francisco Maritime National History Museum, P82-019A_4266