The Earthquake Stronger Than the San Francisco Quake of 1906

We associate earthquakes with specific areas of the world, like California, which lies along the San Andreas fault. A major earthquake occurred in 1906 in Northern California, due to shifting of this massive fault line, causing widespread damage and fires in San Fransisco. Japan is another hotbed of seismic activity, experiencing more earthquakes than any other country on the globe. In 2011, Japan endured its strongest recorded quake. This disaster, along with the tsunami it caused, was responsible for roughly 20,000 deaths. 

Many Americans believe major fault lines are the most likely area for severe earthquakes to occur. And while this is true, the problem lies in common knowledge about where these fault lines exist. Several regions of the U.S. are susceptible to earthquakes, though they are not frequently associated with such natural disasters. For example, a 5.7 earthquake made headlines when it shook ground in Kansas City in 2011, quite unexpectedly. Seismic activity can and does occur anywhere in the vast United States.

In this article, we look at lesser-known earthquakes that have rattled unexpected parts of the U.S. Some of these earthquakes are extremely old and occurred in the 1800s. Others are modern and may have even been experienced by some of our readers!

Why We Are Covering This

Earthquakes are some of Mother Nature’s most disastrous occurrences. Along with storms, these natural disasters caused $250 billion in damages globally in 2023. Unlike with hurricanes and wildfires, which usually include ample warning time for residents to flee to safety, we do not yet have a decent early earthquake detection system. When fault lines shift, those above them are at their mercy. Citizens are caught off guard and vulnerable to extremely unsafe conditions. Knowing which areas of the country have earthquake potential is necessary for travelers and residents alike. 

1. New Madrid Seismic Zone

• Location: Mississippi Valley, Ohio River Valley
• Year: 1811 – 1812
• Magnitude: 7.0 – 8.0 (Estimated)

This earthquake made the Mississippi River flow backward! Though this event caused widespread damage, it occurred so early in the nation’s history that we don’t know much about it, as there was no measuring system at the time. This disaster was technically a series of earthquakes that occurred over several months, with the strongest likely exceeding a magnitude 8!

2. The Largest Eastcoast Earthquake

• Location: Charleston, South Carolina
• Year: 1886
• Magnitude: 7.3

This earthquake that occurred in 1886 is one of the largest earthquakes ever recorded on the Eastcoast. It caused severe damage to Charleston and surrounding towns. Brick buildings were particularly threatened, and many historic churches were destroyed. The earthquake even caused a tsunami, resulting in additional damage to the coast.

3. Great Lakes Region

• Location: Indiana-Ohio Border
• Year: 1906
• Magnitude: 8.3

This earthquake was so large that it caused significant damage in both Boston and New Orleans! As it occurred so long ago, we don’t have exact data. However, we know it occurred somewhere near the Indiana-Ohio border. The actual epicenter was sparsely populated. However, the earthquake was so significant that it caused damage to cities around the Great Lakes, like Chicago and Detroit.

4. The New York Earthquake

• Location: Attica, New York
• Year: 1929
• Magnitude: 6.2

While this earthquake wasn’t as strong as others on this list, the epicenter was in a densely populated area, leading to widespread damage. Buildings in western New York were heavily impacted, with many collapsing suddenly. There were no fatalities, luckily, but several deaths did occur in the aftermath due to fires that were likely a result of the quake.

5. One Reason We Have Building Codes

• Location: Craigsville, Virginia
• Year: 1897
• Magnitude: 5.8

The 1897 earthquake in Craigsville wasn’t huge. However, it struck a populated area with unreinforced brick buildings. Many of these collapsed, causing injuries. There was widespread damage to Craigsville and surrounding towns. Events like these are one reason we have building codes today.

6. Proof Earthquakes Occur Almost Everywhere

• Location: Platte County, Missouri
• Year: 2011
• Magnitude: 5.7

This earthquake is the most recent on our list. It reminds us that earthquakes can occur anywhere, including Kansas City! While no fatalities were reported, it highlighted the need for earthquake preparedness even in places without regular earthquakes.

7. Shaking in the Lone Star State

• Location: Denton, Texas
• Year: 1881
• Magnitude: 6.0

Texas is far better known for the hurricanes it endures than for earthquakes. However, in 1881, a decently powerful earthquake struck the region. Luckily, the area was sparsely populated then, so there wasn’t much damage or many injuries. However, it is another reminder that earthquakes can happen just about anywhere.

8. Another Unexpected Southern Earthquake

• Location: Near McMinnville, TN
• Year: 1843
• Magnitude: 6.2 – 6.5

Eastern Tennessee experiences a few very small rumbles from time to time. But back in 1843, a significant earthquake caused several landslides, leading to damage. Luckily, injuries and damage were minimal.

9. A Rural Quake

• Location: Hebron, Nebraska
• Year: 1935
• Magnitude: 6.8

While this earthquake was pretty powerful, it struck a rural region of Nebraska, leading to very little damage. However, it was felt across several states.

10. A Westcoast Harbinger?

• Location: Compton, California
• Year: 1933
• Magnitude: 6.3

While California is known for earthquakes, Compton does not get them very often. This town near Los Angeles is heavily populated, and this earthquake caused major damage. Buildings were destroyed, and several injuries were reported. People often point to this earthquake when they talk about the possibility of another earthquake in LA.

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