History
The two most significant historical earthquakes to occur in South Carolina were the 1886 Charleston/Summerville earthquake and the 1913 Union County earthquake. The 1886 earthquake in Charleston was the most damaging earthquake to ever occur in the eastern United States. In terms of lives lost, human suffering and devastation, this was the most destructive United States earthquake in the 19th century.
Tour The Charleston Earthquake of 1886
1. Embassy Suites
During the 1886 earthquake, the Embassy Suites served as the main campus for the Citadel Military College of South Carolina. This building suffered extensive damage, and Marion Square served as a refuge center for thousands in its aftermath.
2. Citadel Square Baptist Church
During the 1886 earthquake, this historic building was severely damaged, and the steeple collapsed for a second time.
3. United States Customs House
The U.S. Customs House sustained minimal damage during the 1886 earthquake, with repairs completed quickly afterward. However, it remains one of the few places where cracks and cosmetic damage from the event are still visible.
4. St. Philip’s Church
Constructed in 1838, St. Philip’s Church suffered significant damage during the 1886 earthquake. Although it was repaired, braces installed during reconstruction are still visible on the steeple. The church also has a noticeable tilt when viewed from a distance, caused by portions of its foundation sinking due to liquefaction.
5. St. Michael’s Church
St. Michael's Church, the oldest in Charleston, sustained major damage during the 1886 earthquake. Wooden braces were installed around the structure to keep the building together. The church was fortunate, unlike the old police station directly across the street, which was deemed beyond repair, and a new structure was built, which serves as the post office today.
A Major Earthquake Of Today
Results of a scientific study commissioned by the South Carolina Emergency Management Division indicate that an earthquake today of similar intensity (7.3) and location to the one in 1886 could have the following results:
Approximately 9,000 (about 20%) would be major injuries requiring hospitalization; fatalities would number about 900. A daytime event would cause the highest number of casualties.
Nearly 70,000 households, or about 200,000 people, would be displaced, with an estimated 60,000 people requiring short-term shelter.
Total economic losses from damage to buildings, direct business interruption losses, and damage to transportation and utility systems would exceed $20 billion.
More than 250 fires would burn, primarily in the tri-county area. The lack of operational firefighting equipment and water due to the earthquake would be a major concern.
About 80% of urban households in the affected tri-county area would be deprived of water. It would take weeks, if not months, to restore the water systems to normal operation.
Close to 800 bridges would be damaged beyond use, thus hampering recovery efforts.
About 63 electric power facilities (51 substations out of 380, and 12 power plants out of 53) would suffer at least moderate damage; about 300,000 households would be without power.
More than 200 schools and more than 160 fire stations would have significant damage. In addition, extensive damage is expected to the large inventory of relocatable school buildings.
More than 36 million tons of debris would be generated.
