When Did the Great New Madrid Earthquakes Occur?

By Michael Ferguson

The Great New Madrid Earthquakes refer to a series of earthquakes that occurred in the central United States between December 1811 and February 1812. These earthquakes were some of the most powerful ever recorded in North America and had a significant impact on the region.

Background

The New Madrid earthquakes were named after the town of New Madrid, Missouri, which was near the epicenter of the quakes. The earthquakes were caused by movements along the New Madrid fault system, which runs through parts of Missouri, Arkansas, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Illinois.

When Did They Occur?

The first earthquake in the series occurred on December 16, 1811. This earthquake had an estimated magnitude of 7.5-7.9 and was followed by several aftershocks over the next few hours.

The second major earthquake occurred on January 23, 1812, with an estimated magnitude of 7.4-8.6. This earthquake was followed by several more aftershocks over the next few days.

The Impact

The impact of these earthquakes was significant and widespread. The quakes were felt across much of the eastern United States and caused damage as far away as Washington D.C., which is over 700 miles away from New Madrid.

The Impact on People
Many people were injured or killed as a result of these earthquakes. The area near New Madrid was sparsely populated at the time, but there were still many casualties.

The Impact on Infrastructure
The infrastructure in the affected areas was also heavily damaged. Buildings collapsed or were severely damaged, roads and bridges were destroyed or rendered unusable, and even large bodies of water such as lakes and rivers experienced significant changes.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Great New Madrid Earthquakes were a series of powerful earthquakes that occurred in the central United States between December 1811 and February 1812. These earthquakes had a significant impact on the region, causing widespread damage and many casualties. While earthquakes of this magnitude are relatively rare in the central United States, it is important to remember the impact that they can have and to be prepared for such events in the future.