The Little-Known Earthquake Stronger Than the 1906 San Francisco Quake

Earthquakes are often associated with places like California, where the San Andreas Fault has produced some of the most well-known seismic events in U.S. history, including the devastating 1906 San Francisco earthquake. Globally, countries like Japan also experience frequent and powerful quakes, highlighting how seismic activity is concentrated along major fault lines.

However, earthquakes are not limited to these well-known regions. Several parts of the United States have experienced notable seismic events, even in areas not typically associated with earthquake risk. From the Midwest to the central U.S., unexpected quakes have occurred throughout history, reminding us that seismic activity can happen in a wide range of locations.

For travelers and residents alike, understanding where earthquakes have occurred, including in lesser-known regions, can provide helpful context when exploring different parts of the country. In this article, we take a closer look at some of the most surprising earthquakes in U.S. history and the places where they struck.

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.