The New Madrid Earthquake, the largest earthquake ever recorded in the continental United States of America, occurred on December 16, 1811. It derived its name from its primary location in the New Madrid Seismic Zone near New Madrid, Missouri. This earthquake was followed by others between January 23 and February 7, 1812.
Based on the effects of these earthquakes, it can be estimated that they had a magnitude of 8.0 or higher on the not-yet-invented Richter scale. As a result of the quakes, large areas sank into the earth, new lakes were formed (notably Reelfoot Lake, Tennessee), and the Mississippi River changed its course. Church bells rang in Boston, Massachusetts. Since the area was less developed at the time, damage was minor compared to what would happen today.
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