The earth beneath our feet is often thought of as solid and unchanging. However, almost everywhere on the planet can potentially experience the ground suddenly turning against us.
When we think of US earthquakes, images of California’s San Andreas Fault shaking Hollywood come to mind. However, this seemingly settled perception belies a surprising truth—seismic activity can and does occur anywhere in the vast United States.
We’ll look at lesser-known earthquakes that have rattled unexpected parts of the U.S. in this article. 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!
You can also take a look at the most earthquake-prone states in America.
1. New Madrid Seismic Zone
Source: jimkruger / E+ via Getty Images
- Location: Mississippi Valley, Ohio River Valley
- Year: 1811 – 1812
- Magnitude: 7.0 – 8.0 (Estimated)
When the Mississippi Flowed Backwards
Source: marekuliasz / iStock via Getty Images
You may have heard of the earthquake that made the Mississippi River flow backward! This earthquake caused widespread damage, but it occurred so early in the nation’s history that we don’t know much about it. People did not measure earthquakes back then!
This earthquake was also technically a series of earthquakes that occurred over several months. The strongest was felt in the Mississippi Valley, but we don’t know exactly where the epicenter is.
2. Charleston, South Carolina
Source: Sean Pavone / iStock via Getty Images
- Location: Charleston, South Carolina
- Year: 1886
- Magnitude: 7.3
The Largest East Coast Earthquake
Source: SeanPavonePhoto / iStock via Getty Images
This earthquake that occurred in 1886 is one of the largest earthquakes ever recorded on the East Coast. It caused severe damage to Charleston and surrounding towns.
Brick buildings were particularly threatened, and many historic churches and other buildings were destroyed. The earthquake even caused a tsunami, which caused additional damage to the coast.
3. Great Lakes Region
Source: Wirestock Creators / Shutterstock.com
- Location: Indiana-Ohio Border
- Year: 1906
- Magnitude: 8.3
The Boston and New Orleans Earthquake
Source: pasa / Flickr
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 know the exact figures on it. However, it occurred somewhere near the Indiana-Ohio border.
The actual epicenter was sparsely populated. However, the earthquake was so significant that it caused significant damage to cities around the Great Lakes, like Chicago and Detroit.
4. Attica, New York
Source: MDoculus / iStock via Getty Images
- Location: Attica, New York
- Year: 1929
- Magnitude: 6.2
The New York Earthquake
Source: Andre Carrotflower / Wikimedia Commons
While this earthquake wasn’t as strong as others, 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 caused by the earthquake.
5. Craigsville, Virginia
Source: kenlund / Flickr
- Location: Craigsville, Virginia
- Year: 1897
- Magnitude: 5.8
One Reason We Have Building Codes
Source: PersianDutchNetwork / Wikimedia Commons
The earthquake in Craigsville, Virginia, in 1897 is one reason we should be thankful for building codes! This earthquake 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. Platte County, Missouri
Source: Tupungato/Shutterstock
- Location: Platte County, Missouri
- Year: 2011
- Magnitude: 5.7
Proof Earthquakes Occur Almost Everywhere
Source: walencienne / iStock via Getty Images
This earthquake is the most recent on our list. It reminds us that earthquakes can occur anywhere, including in Kansas City. While no fatalities were reported, it highlighted the need for earthquake preparedness even in places without regular earthquakes.
7. Denton, Texas
Source: Marti157900 / iStock via Getty Images
- Location: Denton, Texas
- Year: 1881
- Magnitude: 6.0
No One Exacted a Texas Earthquake
Source: flight1ap / Shutterstock.com
Texas isn’t known for getting very many earthquakes, especially in Northern Texas. However, in 1881, a decently powerful earthquake struck the region. Luckily, the area was sparsely populated then, so there wasn’t much damage or injuries.
However, it is another reminder that earthquakes can happen just about anywhere.
8. Eastern Tennessee
Source: William Bledsoe / iStock via Getty Images
- Location: Near McMinnville, TN
- Year: 1843
- Magnitude: 6.2 – 6.5
Another Unexpected Earthquake
Source: Brian Stansberry / Wikimedia Commons
Eastern Tennessee does not get that many earthquakes, though there are a few very small rumbles from time to time! Back in 1843, a significant earthquake caused several landslides, leading to damage.
Luckily, there weren’t many people in the region at the time, so injuries and damage were minimal. Today, a strong earthquake in the area would likely do far more.
9. Hebron, Nebraska
Source: Peter Aiken/Getty Images
- Location: Hebron, Nebraska
- Year: 1935
- Magnitude: 6.8
A Rural Earthquake
Source: Davel5957 / iStock via Getty Images
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. It’s another reminder that the Great Plains region can experience earthquakes, though they are rare.
10. Compton, California
Source: kenlund / Flickr
- Location: Compton, California
- Year: 1933
- Magnitude: 6.3
A Hint At What’s to Come?
Source: Sean Pavone / Shutterstock.com
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. Today, the region is much more heavily populated!
Take This Retirement Quiz To Get Matched With An Advisor Now (Sponsored)
Are you ready for retirement? Planning for retirement can be overwhelming, that’s why it could be a good idea to speak to a fiduciary financial advisor about your goals today.
Start by taking this retirement quiz right here from SmartAsset that will match you with up to 3 financial advisors that serve your area and beyond in 5 minutes. Smart Asset is now matching over 50,000 people a month.
Click here now to get started.
Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us?
Contact the 24/7 Wall St. editorial team.
Editors' Picks
