It's impossible to imagine San Francisco without certain landmarks.

What would the city be without curvy Lombard Street, luxurious Union Square or, gasp, the Golden Gate Bridge? But once upon a time, these now-iconic landmarks were in their infant stages. Take a crazy look back at some postcard views before they were famous.

Imagine Lombard Street without bunches of colorful blooms—or the rented cars of tourists who come to try their steering skills along its winding way. Here the legendary curvy street is seen under construction in 1922. (via San Francisco History Center, San Francisco Public Library)