San Francisco 's Chinatown was almost completely destroyed by the 1906 earthquake and fire , but some of its inhabitants did not relocate elsewhere . Looming large were proposals by real estate speculators and politicians to expand the Financial District 's influence into the area , by displacing the Chinese community to the southern part of the city . In response , many of Chinatown 's residents and landlords defiantly stayed behind to stake their neighborhood 's claim , sleeping out in the open and in makeshift tents . Numerous businesses and housing based in brick buildings survived with moderate damage and continued functioning , if only in a limited capacity . In just two years after the earthquake , the landmark Sing Fat and Sing Chong buildings were completed as a statement of the Chinese community 's resolve to remain in the area . As a result of this action , Chinatown remains the longest , continuously occupied Chinese community outside of Asia
1906 earthquake and fire
1906 San Francisco earthquake
Chinatowns in the Americas