The Earthquake of 1886

On August 31, 1886, around 9:50 p.m. a powerful earthquake shook Charleston. The earthquake is estimated to have been between 6.6 and 7.3 on the Richter scale and is one of the most powerful and costly earthquakes to hit the southeastern United States. Reports came in from distant places such as Boston, Massachusetts; Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Chicago, Illinois; Cuba; and Bermuda. 27 people died on the night of the quake, with 56 more earthquake-related deaths recorded between September and October. Charleston and surrounding areas suffered severe damage, with 2,000 buildings affected and between five and six million dollars worth of damages ($132 to $158 million in 2015 dollars). The bishop’s house, located at 114 Broad  Street, suffered $5,500 worth of damage — approximately $145,200 today.

From the U.S. Geological Survey Photographic Library accessed at http://library.usgs.gov/photo/#/item/51dc8161e4b097e4d383922b