1947 Wisconsin earthquake

History

The area had been previously shaken by the 1909 Wabash River earthquake, causing damage assessed at VII (Very strong) on the Modified Mercalli scale across the Wisconsin–Illinois border. Two earthquakes were also reported in the state in 1912. Shocks in 1919 and 1925, the first from Missouri and the latter from Canada, occurred over enormous zones and affected the entire region, though not seriously. Earthquakes struck Wisconsin again in 1937 and 1939.

Earthquake

For a few seconds at 15:27, the earthquake was felt in a 3000 mi2 strip of land in southeastern Wisconsin, in a 99 mi wide area stretching across the Wisconsin–Illinois border, and to Lake Michigan and Waukesha.

Damage

Damage consisted of broken windows and fallen porcelain, pots and dishes. The locals' initial impression was that an explosion had taken place. Many people evacuated buildings and ran into the streets. Corporate office buildings were emptied of workers.

Often described as "sharp", this was the most powerful earthquake to date in Wisconsin's seismological history. The earthquake broke a seismograph at Marquette University. Many hotels, such as the Schroeder Hotel in Milwaukee, were rocked by the tremor. However, the earthquake caused no serious damage or casualties.

References

References

1. Walter, Jennifer. (May 6, 2022). "75 years ago, Milwaukee experienced the most severe earthquake in Wisconsin history".
2. Dutch, Steve. (1999). "Wisconsin Earthquakes".
3. (January 30, 2009). "Wisconsin: Earthquake History". United States Geological Survey.
4. Walter, Jennifer. (May 6, 2022). "75 years ago, Milwaukee experienced the most severe earthquake in Wisconsin history".
5. (January 30, 2009). "Today in Earthquake History: May 6". United States Geological Survey.
6. (May 6, 1947). "Sharp Earthquake Rocks Buildings in Milwaukee". [[Saint Petersburg Times]].