Known for its iconic Golden Gate Bridge, foggy mornings, cable cars and a laidback vibe, San Francisco is the hub of northern California and the 13th largest city in the U.S. Spanish colonists founded the city in June 1776, even before the U.S. became a nation, and it grew quickly during the Gold Rush that kicked off in 1849. Much of San Francisco was rebuilt in 1906, following an enormous earthquake; the city has endured its share of shaking since. Today, the "City By the Bay" is known for its high-tech industry, rich culture and music history, tourism and financial services.