How Many Deaths Were Caused by the New Madrid Earthquake?

By Alice Nichols

The New Madrid earthquake of 1811-1812 was one of the most powerful earthquakes to ever hit the United States. It occurred in the region around New Madrid, Missouri and was felt as far away as New York City. The earthquake was so powerful that it caused the Mississippi River to flow backward and created several new lakes in the area.

What caused the earthquake?

The New Madrid earthquake was caused by a series of earthquakes that occurred along a fault line in the Earth’s crust. The fault line runs from northeastern Arkansas to southern Illinois and is known as the New Madrid Seismic Zone.

How many people died?

Estimates vary widely on how many people died as a result of the earthquake. At the time, there were only a few settlements in the region, and many of them were destroyed or severely damaged by the quake. Because of this, it is difficult to get an accurate count of how many people died.

According to some estimates, as many as 1,000 people may have died as a result of the earthquake. However, other estimates put the number closer to 50 or 60.

The impact of the earthquake

The impact of the earthquake was felt far beyond just those who lived in its immediate vicinity. The Mississippi River, which was a major transportation route at the time, was severely disrupted by the quake. The river flowed backward for several hours and created several new islands and lakes in its wake.

The quake also caused widespread damage to buildings and infrastructure throughout much of Tennessee, Kentucky, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio.

Conclusion

While we may never know exactly how many people died as a result of the New Madrid earthquake, we do know that it had a profound impact on those who lived through it. The quake forever altered the landscape of this part of America and serves as a reminder of the power that nature can wield.