“An Earthquake”
Date
12-24-1811
Newspaper
Petersburg Intelligencer
Page and Column
Page 3, Column 4
Newspaper Location
Petersburg, Virginia
Serial Number
1016
Abstract
Felt report for the December 16, 1811 earthquake. Good detailed report, Notes the ringing of the clock bell at St. Phillips , notes clocks stopping, wells being agitated. Good felt report.
Transcript
CHARLESTON, Dec. 16. AN EARTHQUAKE! This morning at a few minutes before 3 o'clock, a severe shock of an Earthquake was felt in this city. Its duration is supposed to have been between two and three minutes. For an hour previous, though the air was perfectly calm, and several stars visible, there was at intervals of about five minutes, a rumbling noise resembling distant thunder; which increased in violence of sound, just before the shock was felt. The vibration of St. Philip's Steeple, caused the Clock bell to ring about 10 seconds. Two other Shocks were felt this morning, one a little before 8 o'clock, and the other 10 minutes after that hour; both slighter than the first and of shorter duration; the vibration of the second lasted probably rather more than a minute; and of the last 2 or 3 seconds. Many of the clocks were stopped; and the water in the different wells was much agitated. We have not heard of any damage having been done by these repeated Shocks; nor have we heard how far they have extended into the country; except that they were felt at Rantowle's.
Recommended Citation
"“An Earthquake”" (1811). New Madrid Compendium Far-Field Database. 986.
https://digitalcommons.memphis.edu/cas-ceri-new-madrid-compendium/986
