Earthquakes in the Eastern United States
Even though the greater part of the United States is free from violent or catastrophic earthquakes, there have been a number of seismic shocks of great intensity. However, in 1685, 1727 and 1755 there were terrible earthquakes.
The earthquake that occurred in 1727 affected the neighbouring areas of Newberg port. The earthquake was accompanied by “a wonderful bellowing noise, loud enough to startle people from sleep”. Boston was visited by a violent earthquake in 1755, but little damage was done by it.
Besides, a series of violent earthquakes occurred in the lower Mississippi valley in 1811- 1812.
The last disastrous earthquake that occurred near Charleston, S.C., on August 31, 1886 affected the whole of eastern United State. The total area affected by the seismic shocks was between two and three million square miles.
Fissures and craterless developed in the area of strong earth tremors. Railway lines were buckled and bent. Some of the large buildings in the city were damaged to a certain extent, but few were completely destroyed. However, only 27 lives were lost.
