11 Very Rare Photos Taken During WWII In San Francisco

World War II is undoubtedly a dramatic and defining point in history. These photos are engaging and gripping because it shows the ever-changing and unpredictable effects of life during war. We have found rare photos and video footage that will take you to a different time in San Francisco. As we approach the New Year, let's remember to learn from our past as we look ahead to our future.

1. Downtown San Francisco: 1945

This photo shows the crowds celebrating the end of World War II in downtown San Francisco.

2. Haight Street: 1944

Haight Street, between Ashbury and Clayton, looking west, in 1944. Haight Street would eventually become the center of the Summer of Love in the 1960s.

3. Golden Gate Bridge: 1943

The USS San Francisco passing under the Golden Gate Bridge in 1942 during World War II. The iconic bridge has figured into many historical photos of Fog City.

4. Hunters Point: 1943

A workday during World War II in Hunters Point. This photo was taken on June 26, 1943, and shows workers dining in a cafeteria at Hunters Point. Before the tech boom, San Francisco was the nation's premier shipbuilding and repair center.

5. Treasure Island: 1944

A beautiful and calm picture during a tumultuous time. This photo is taken at Treasure Island. In the distance, beyond the ship, is the Golden Gate Bridge.

6. Duboce and Market: August 14, 1943

Food shortages during World War II in San Francisco led to the creation of the San Francisco Farmers Market. Today, farmers markets are still vital and incredibly popular among San Francisco residents and visitors.

7. Plane over Golden Gate Bridge: 1944

This photo shows the Martin XPB2M-1R Mars plane flying over the Bay.

8. Market Street Celebration: August 18. 1945

War is over, giving plenty of reason to celebrate on Market Street. This photo is taken at the intersection of Market and Mason.

9. Market Street: 1945

Today, Market Street is full of cars, but back then the cable and street cars were the dominant form of transportation.

10. Chinatown: 1945

One of the oldest Chinatowns during World War II. This photo of Chinatown dates from 1945 and shows the growing neighborhood during a dramatic period in history.

11. San Francisco/Redwood City: September 2, 1945

This video clip provided by Jeff Quitney shows footage during and after wartime in San Francisco.

For more historic San Francisco, check out these 10 Historic Neighborhoods In San Francisco That Will Take You Back In Time.