1886 Charleston earthquake
Damage on Tradd Street | |
| UTC time | 1886-09-01 02:51:00 |
|---|---|
| USGS-ANSS | ComCat |
| Local date | August 31, 1886 |
| Local time | 21:51 |
| Magnitude | 6.9–7.3 Mw |
| Epicenter | 32°54′N 80°00′W / 32.9°N 80.0°W |
| Type | Unknown |
| Areas affected | South Carolina, United States |
| Total damage | $5–6 million |
| Max. intensity | MMI X (Extreme) |
| Casualties | 60 deaths |
The 1886 Charleston earthquake in South Carolina occurred about 9:50 p.m. local time August 31. It caused 60 deaths and $5–6 million ($192.48 million in 2024) in damage to 2,000 buildings in the Southeastern United States. It is one of the most powerful and damaging earthquakes to hit the East Coast of the United States.
Scientists have classified it as an intraplate earthquake, and said that it had an estimated moment magnitude of 6.9–7.3 and a maximum Mercalli intensity of X (Extreme). Very little to no historical earthquake activity had occurred in this region, which is unusual for any seismic area.