How Far Away Was the New Madrid Earthquake Felt?

By Anna Duncan

The New Madrid earthquake of 1811-1812 is considered one of the most powerful earthquakes in the recorded history of the United States. This earthquake was so intense that it shook the ground beneath the feet of people living as far as a thousand miles away.

The New Madrid Earthquake: A Brief Overview

The New Madrid earthquake was a series of four large earthquakes that occurred between December 1811 and February 1812 in the central United States. The epicenter of these earthquakes was located near what is now New Madrid, Missouri.

The Magnitude of the Earthquake

The magnitude of this earthquake was estimated to be around 7.5 to 7.9 on the Richter scale. This means that it was an incredibly powerful earthquake that caused widespread damage across a large area.

How Far Away Was It Felt?

The New Madrid earthquake was felt across a vast area, stretching from Canada to the Gulf of Mexico and from the Rocky Mountains to the Atlantic Ocean. The shaking was so intense that it rang church bells in Boston, Massachusetts, and caused furniture to move in Washington D.C., over 700 miles away from the epicenter.

  • In Louisville, Kentucky, windows were shattered and chimneys collapsed.
  • In Cincinnati, Ohio, houses were damaged and landslides occurred.
  • In St. Louis, Missouri, people were thrown out of their beds and many buildings collapsed.

Effects on Mississippi River

The New Madrid earthquakes also had a significant impact on the Mississippi River. They caused massive sand boils to erupt along its banks and created new islands in its waters.

The Aftermath

The aftermath of this devastating earthquake left thousands homeless and caused millions of dollars’ worth of damage. However, it also had a positive effect on the area. The sand boils that erupted along the Mississippi River created new fertile land for farming, and the new islands that were formed provided valuable habitats for wildlife.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the New Madrid earthquake of 1811-1812 was an incredibly powerful earthquake that was felt across a vast area of the United States. Its effects were devastating, but it also had a positive impact on the environment. Today, it remains one of the most significant earthquakes in American history and serves as a reminder of the awesome power of nature.