William Chapman Ralston: The Magician of San Francisco
A short documentary on Ralston’s life — from Mississippi riverboats to the Bank of California, the Palace Hotel, and his mysterious death. (Daily Dose Documentary)
Videos
Documentaries and clips about Ralston and his world
Will Ralston’s Mansion Be Saved? (Ralston Hall)
The story of Ralston Hall in Belmont — the 55,000-square-foot mansion where Ralston threw his legendary parties — and the fight to preserve it. (This House)
Comstock Lode: Bonanza Kings of the Silver Rush
The Nevada silver strike that filled the Bank of California’s vaults and built Ralston’s fortune. (Daily Dose Documentary)
Raid on the San Francisco Mint (1965)
Ronald Reagan plays Billy Ralston in this Death Valley Days episode dramatizing the 1869 story of Ralston borrowing bullion from the U.S. Mint to save his bank.