Earthquake Awareness Month: Remembering 1886 Charleston quake which shook Wilmington

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Thursday marks the first day of Earthquake Awareness Month.

While no major earthquake has struck Wilmington in recorded history, an 1886 major earthquake near Charleston left its mark on Port City residents.

The estimated 6.9-7.3 magnitude South Carolina earthquake struck around 9:50 p.m. on August 31, 1886.

‘The Morning Star’ wrote about Wilmington’s impacts from the distant quake:

“Fortunately, the shocks experienced in Wilmington were not sufficient to do any damage, beyond greatly frightening the people. There were three shocks, the first occurring at ten minutes to 10 o’clock. It was quite severe, lasting, according to the most reliable reports, about thirty seconds, although some persons were positive that the shock continued at least a minute; indeed, one individual was seen about two hours after the disturbance who said he had ‘not stopped shaking yet.'”