Giles County Earthquake of May 31, 1897
News Reports

Because the 1897 Giles County earthquake preceded seismic networks, there were few direct measures of the ground motion resulting from the earthquake. For this, and other pre-network events, one determines intensities for the event and infers from that a magnitude, or some other measure of size.

The earthquake intensity is a measure of the effects of an earthquake at a particular place on humans and (or) structures. The intensity at a point depends not only upon the strength of the earthquake (magnitude) but also upon the distance from the point of observation to the epicenter and the local geology at that point. Note that a given event will have only one magnitude, but many intensity values. Intensities tend to decrease with distance from the epicenter, but local site conditions or focusing effects can produce anomalies. Also, the lower intensities depend upon human perception, which is subjective and subject then to variability.

The Modified Mercalli Intensity Scale (MMI) is the one used in North America. It is expressed by Roman numerals. MMI = III is generally the threshold for a "felt" event at that location. Architectural damage comes with MMI = VI. MMI values of VII-IX are applied for increasing degrees of structural damage.

The reports given below are taken from Earthquake History of Virginia 1774 - 1900 by M. G. Hopper and G. A Bollinger, 1971, pages 55-66, and are based primarily on newspaper accounts. The reports are given here in the order of decreasing intensities, and for each intensity value they are ordered alphabetically within each state. Entries in parentheses refer to newspapers -- mostly in 1897.

A special note: chimneys in 1897 were not as well constructed as they are now, so less horizontal shaking would damage a chimney in 1897 more than it would today.

Clicking on the map shows the outline of the MMI zones. MMI=VIII is the maximum intensity for this event. The felt area estimated to be 280,000 square miles.

MMI VIII

Giles County, Va. and Pearisburg, Va: Report that "Angels Rest", a high mountain near Pearisburg, was cracked. (RD 6/l/97)

From Roanoke, Va.: Telegram from Giles County that Mountain Lake still intact. "Advices from Giles County, however, still report much uneasiness there. The courthouse at Pearisburg was badly cracked by the earthquake shock, and numerous chimneys were thrown down or badly damaged. In other parts of the county, it is said, several brick houses were seriously damaged, and some shaken down completely. Along the railroad track tons of rock fell from the overhanging cliffs. In one instance derailing a freight train, and causing a delay to traffic for five hours or more. At Pearisburg bricks rolled from the chimneys to the roof of the courthouse in such numbers and to such an extent that Judge Jackson, who was holding Circuit Court when the shock occurred, left the building, along with the lawyers and others present. For a week or more before the shock people throughout Giles County were much disturbed by subterranean noises, and all day Monday detonations like the explosion of distant artillery were heard throughout the county. As to the crack in Angels Rest Mountain reports are so conflicting that it is hard to get at the truth. For several days after the shock last Monday the water in many of the springs and branches were muddy. An attorney of this city who was in Pearisburg on Monday bears out some of the above statements, and says that for nearly fifty miles from that place he saw hardly a sound chimney standing. In his opinion, if the buildings throughout Giles had been largely of brick, the damage would have been very great, and serious loss of life would have occurred."

From Pulaski, Va.: "From what can be learned, all reports about cracks in the earth in Giles, etc., are fictitious. Your correspondent saw yesterday a lawyer from there who said there were no holes in Angels Rest Mountain or elsewhere there, that any one had seen, but people are afraid to go in the mountain to investigate. There was a great scare, as the earthquake was very severe, there having been four separate shocks on May 31st between 2 and 5 o'clock p.m." (RD 6/4/97)

From McDonald's Mill: "I have been reliably informed that in Giles County, near Pearisburg (the county seat) earthquake shocks have daily occurred for some time past, and the citizens along the base of a lofty part of a mountain called Angels Rest are considerably excited." (RD 6/3/97)

Dr. Goodride Wilson, writing of the Town of Pearisburg: "While court was in session on Monday, May 31, 1897, Pearisburg experienced a moderately severe earthquake. The judge summarily adjourned court, jumped over the railing and ran out of the courtroom along with the lawyers and spectators. A number of chimneys were toppled in the town and some brick walls were cracked. The shocks were felt throughout the county and in several other counties in Southwest Virginia."

Mr. J. H. Hardy, in a letter, reports that his father-in-law, Mr. Sam D. May, was an attorney trying a case in Pearisburg at the time of the earthquake: "He told me that the quake was really severe there. Some thought Mountain Lake had caved in. I think the water did go down some but if there was a crack in the bottom it evidently filled up gradually." (Hardy, 1969)

Earthquake "especially strong at Pearisburg, where the walls of old brick houses were cracked and bricks were thrown from chimneys which had been damaged. A few earth fissures and small landslides were reported from this area, but no serious damage.... At Narrows (Va.) large rocks rolled down the mountains. The sounds were compared by veterans to those made by seige guns in action.... Minor tremors continued from time to time until June 6." (MacCarthy, 1964)

"There were fissures in the ground and small landslides in places where they were easy to start. At the Narrows ( Va.) it was claimed that a motion like the ground swell of the ocean was observed." (Eppley, 1965, p. 25).

"Earthquake shocks nightly in Giles County since the 25th; large fissures have been made." (MWR)

Noises heard from May 3 to May 31 and after. Shock most severe near Pearisburg. No serious damage, but old brick houses badly shaken and many chimneys cracked and top bricks knocked off. Much noise. Many people "terror stricken." Surface "rolled like the groundswells of the ocean" and springs were muddied and one large landslide started at the Narrows. (Campbell, 1898)

Roanoke, Va.: Crockery rattled, windows shaken, doors opened and closed, furniture moved in many houses. Several chimneys knocked down; frame buildings "seen to sway back and forth." In the business district "many persons rushed into the streets, fearing that the buildings would fall.... Felt by everybody and frightened many people." (RD 6/l/97)

Terry Building was "noticed to sway perceptibly and doors standing open in the Masonic Temple and Commercial Bank building were swung back and forth." Pictures shaken from walls and bottles from shelves. -- "People rushed out of their houses expecting them to fall." Shock scared "a great many people nearly out of their wits." Several chimneys "shaken to the ground." Tops shaken off some chimneys and others "partly demolished." (RT 6/l/97)

MII VII

Bedford City, Va.: Earthquake "severest ever felt here, and caused considerable consternation . . . . Rocking vibration . . . accompanied by a dull detonation like that of heavy thunder and a report like that of a cannon." (RD 6/l/97) "Chimneys of the courthouse, bank, Windsor Hotel, and several private houses were shaken down. The walls of several dwellings were cracked, and people rushed terrified into the streets." (RD 6/l/97)

No serious damage. "Four or five chimneys toppled over." (RT 6/l/97)

Pulaski, Va.: "Very severe earthquake shock.... Shook down chimneys greatly alarming the citizens who rushed from their houses and places of business." No other damage. (RD 6/l/97)

Radford, Va.: "No less than twenty chimneys shaken or split and in some instances... nearly leveled to the houses." Roofs of some houses "looked as if mortar and lime had been scattered all over them." Buildings rocked so much that no shocks were noticeable in the open ground. "The earth seemed to rise and fall in waves.... Heaviest earthquake ever known in this section." (RD 6/l/97)

"Heavy earthquake shocks.... A great deal of excitement was occasioned at the time, as chimneys were falling, houses rocking like cradles, and women and children screaming in terror about the streets." Preceded by "a heavy rumbling." (RT 6/l/97)

Houston, Va.: "Quite a severe earthquake shock" - Several chimneys partly demolished. (RD 6/l/97)

Bristol, Tenn. - Va.: "Shook the buildings so that the people ran into the streets." Several chimneys "thrown to the ground." (RD 6/l/97)

Time - 13:15, duration - 30 seconds. (MWR)

Bluefield, W.Va.: "A heavy seismic disturbance, with buildings rocking and chimneys failing." (RD 6/l/97)

MMI VI-VII

Wytheville, Va.: Many people "were panic-stricken, running from their houses." Bricks were thrown from chimneys; in some cases "chimneys were cracked and thrown several inches out of plumb.... Terrifically loud" report accompanied the shock. One large tree "was precipitated down a steep cliff into the creek." (RD 6/l/97)

Knoxville, Tenn.: Felt throughout the city - "Several large buildings were badly shaken and two chimneys fell. " (RD 6/l/97)

"Startled the citizens nearly out of their wits." Little damage. (RT 6/l/97)

Several chimneys shaken down. (NYT 6/l/97)

MII VI

Christiansburg, Va.: A "rumbling noise" preceded the shock. Houses rocked, doors opened, bricks thrown from chimneys. People "rushed into the streets much excited." Severity of the earthquake "exceeded any in the recollection of the oldest inhabitant." (RD 6/l/97)

"It was a warm sunshiny day in early summer when, without warning, buildings along Main Street begun a rocking movement and the dry timbers in their frames popped and cracked and the air became full of dust. Many people ran out of the houses into the street, some whitefaced, and stared upward where the dust, shaken from the buildings was slowly settling toward the ground. The tremor lasted only a few minutes before the panic was over and normal business was resumed along the street. This earthquake was felt in several counties adjoining Montgomery, but little damage was reported beyond the cracking of plaster in a few homes." (NMI Centennial Edition, 12/31/1969)

Dublin, Va.: "Severe." Houses shaken, horses frightened, bricks thrown from chimneys. "Rumbling noise" preceded and followed the shock. (RD 6/l/97)

Lynchburg, Va.: Felt "very perceptible.... Many badly frightened, and rushed into the streets, and great excitement prevailed for awhile." (RD 6/l/97)

Bricks fell from chimneys and "furniture and crockery jostled." (MacCarthy, 1964)

Time - 13:58 (MWR)

Richmond, Va.: "The vibrations lasted for several seconds and were so violent that many people ran out of their homes, fearing their collapse." No material damage. Hotel guests "ran out of their rooms under the impression that a boiler had burst." Noise "Loud and startling." Pictures were shaken, shutters "rattled as if blown by a violent wind" and "furniture was moved in a number of instances." Many suddenly sick just before the shock was felt; symptoms "like nausea and swimming of the head." Convicts at the penitentiary tried to break out. "The most serious and alarming (earthquake) ever experienced here." (RD 6/l/97)

Windows, pictures, glassware rattled violently and unstable objects overthrown. Hundreds of people left their houses in alarm. (from Washington Post, June 1) (MacCarthy, 1964)

An earthquake shook "buildings and rattled windows, but no damage was done. The people in many buildings were badly frightened." (NYT 6/l/97)

Time - 13:59. "Violent vibrations and loud noises; two shocks, at 13:59 and 14:1l." (MWR)

Rocky Mount, Va.: "Severe" Felt by "the entire community." Accompanied by "rumbling sound, much like that made by the rapid moving of a wagon or wagons upon the streets." Many "rushed into the streets from their houses and offices." Loose bricks thrown from chimneys. (RD 6/l/97)

Salem, Va.: Just before the shock, "a peculiar noise... resembling the reverberation of thunder" was heard. Bricks shaken from chimneys, goods thrown from shelves of stores, no damage. "People rushed pale and frightened from their houses." (RD 6/l/97)

Houses "were trembling like autumn leaves in a stiff breeze." (RT 6/l/97)

Letter from Mr. J. H. Hardy who was a boy of 17 at the time of the earthquake: "Was seated on a stool at the kitchen table eating when all of a sudden everything began shaking including the stool I was seated on. My first thought was that there was a heavy explosion somewhere in the neighborhood. I didn't get excited -- but finished eating and went down to the street where everybody was talking about the earthquake." (Hardy, 1969)

Stuart, Va.: "A severe and prolonged earthquake shock". . . . Accompanied by a loud, rumbling noise. Windows rattled, houses shook, and furniture was overturned. (RD 6/l/97)

Tazewell, Va.: "Strong" shock. Bricks shaken from tops of some chimneys. People "rushed into the streets to ascertain the cause of the vibrations." Accompanied by "a perceptible roar." (RD 6/l/97)

Asheville, N.C.: Felt. (RD 6/l/97]

"An earthquake shock shook Asheville perceptibly. Hundreds of occupants of buildings ran into the streets. No damage." (NYT 6/l/97)

Time - 13:59. (MWR)

Durham, N.C.: "Distinct." Houses shaken and plastering knocked from the ceilings. (RD 6/l/97)

Lenoir, N.C.; Time - 13:58. "Loud roar, chimneys injured." (MWR)

Oxford N.C.: "Very perceptible." Bricks thrown from chimneys. No damage. (RD 6/l/97)

Raleigh, N.C.: Plastering knocked down. Doors closed. One public building cracked. (RD 6/l/97)

"Quite a severe shock of earthquake." No damage. (RT 6/l/97)

A few chimneys damaged. (MacCarthy, 1964)

"Two shocks, each lasting 30 seconds; chimneys thrown down." (MWR)

Salisburg, N.C.: "A distinct shock of an earthquake." Walls cracked, plaster fell, and glass rattled. No general damage. (RD 6/l/97)

Weldon, N.C.: Many "badly frightened and ran out of their houses." "Quite severe." Walls of several houses "seen to move, and others rocked like a cradle. . . . Crockery and other things rattled together, and many small things were thrown down."

Winston, N.C.: "The most severe earthquake of any experienced in this section since the memorable Charleston earthquake in 1886....

A general exodus from stores and residences to the streets, and consternation reigned supreme for a few minutes." Some nausea. Bricks shaken off chimneys at several houses. (RD 6/l/97)

Caused "wild excitement." (RD 6/l/97)

No damage. . . beyond shaking down a few chimneys." (RT 6/l/97)

Jonesboro, Tenn.: "The shock was quite severe." (RD 6/l/97)

The people ran out into the streets. (NYT 6/l/97)

MMI V-VI

Burkeville, Va.: A well caved in; a little plastering fell. Very little damage. (RD 6/l/97)

Danville, Va.: People "greatly alarmed, and rushed very generally from houses into the streets." (RD 6/1/97)

Time - 13:58 (MWR)

Lexington, Va.: "The largest buildings were shaken and people ran out of their houses in their fright." No damage. "A severe earthquake shock." (RD 6/l/97 NYT 6/l/97)

Newport News, Va.: "Frightened a great many people." More perceptible "near the edge of the water, where it caused the piers and buildings to rock." No damage. (RD 6/l/97)

"About 2 p. m. - brief but violent." (MWR)

Petersburg, Va.: "Sufficiently severe to jar the heaviest building, though causing no damage." Houses "considerably shaken," crockery rattled, families so frightened they rushed out into the street as a means of safety. Large factories "were quickly emptied of their workmen." Vases broken, gas globes shaken from chandeliers, crockery moved on shelves. Telephone and telegraph wires violently shaken. (RD 6/l/97)

Some glassware broken and goods knocked from shelves; people rushed from houses and factories (from Raleigh Press - Vista, June 2).

Time - 13:59. "Quite severe, the first since August 31, 1889." (MWR)

Smithville, Va.: "A very strong earthquake shock." People frightened from their houses. (RD 6/l/97)

MMI V

Abingdon, Va.: Shock was "very distinct and severe". No damage. "Considerable scare." (RT 6/l/97)

Ashland, Va.: Shock "quite severe here". Houses shaken, crockery overturned, people "pretty generally scared.... Some few ran from their houses, looking appalled at the sudden visitation." No damage. Crockery and furniture "were put in motion." (MacCarthy, 1964)

Big Stone Gap, Va. and Gate City, Va.: "A severe earthquake shock.... Even houses were shaken, clocks stopped and furniture was jostled about." (RD 6/l/97)

Crewe, Va.: "Houses trembled and china and glassware turned over in some of them. Many persons were alarmed, and some ran out of their houses." (RD 6/l/97)

Floyd Courthouse, Va.: Eyewitness remembers the "great excitement it caused among the school children." (NM, Centennial Edition, 12/31/1969)

"Severest shock ever felt here; brick and stone walls were cracked." (MWR)

Fredericksburg, Va: "A heavy earthquake shock-" Some "ran from the houses badly frightened." (RD 6/l/97)

Greenbay, Va. (Prince Edward County): "A distinct shock of an earthquake" - The crockery and other articles in the stores "were badly shaken up." (RD 6/l/97)

Manassas, Va.: "Shook buildings so that windows rattled and doors swayed to and fro on their hinges." (RD 6/l/97)

Millboro, Va.: "Very severe." Felt by "almost everyone in the place." Some people "ran from their house, fearing they would fall." (RD 6/1/97)

Warm Springs, Va. and Hot Springs, Va.: "Shook the houses and rattled the windows, and made moveable things totter." Some frightened. (RD 6/l/97)

Cincinnati. Ohio: Felt "here and in the suburbs.... The printers ran out of the Times-Star office. The occupants of other buildings were alarmed, and at Coney Island, Chester Park, the Zoo gardens, and elsewhere there was consternation among the holiday crowds. At the Lagoon, on the Kentucky side, there was a panic among several thousand people on the grounds. The waters in the Lagoon were so rough that the life-saving crew went to the relief of those out on the electric pleasure boats." (RD 6/l/97)

No damage reported. (RT 6/l/97)

"The shock was general throughout the State." (NYT 6/l/97)

"Weather Bureau Station, 13:02 - A wave of water started at the southwest extremity of the lake at Ludlow Lagoon, which by the time it reached the eastern shore of the lake was over 3 feet high. The earthquake lasted 1 1/2 minutes.- Shock rarely noticed inside the city." (MWR)

Zanesville, Ohio: The Courier Building "experienced decided vibrations" to such an extent that "the employees on the fourth and third floors deserted their posts, greatly frightened." (RD 6/l/97) (DL 5/31/97)

Felt. (RT 6/l/97)

The Zanesville, Ohio Times-Recorder does not mention an earthquake at that time.

"About 1 p.m., alarming vibrations." (MWR)

Grafton, W.Va.: "Windows broken and officials panic-stricken." (MWR)

MMI V?

Chesterfield County, Dinwiddie County, Va.: Shock "very decided.... Large buildings felt the tremor." A general rattling of windows. No damage. Accompanied by "a deep, low rumbling noise." (RD 6/l/97)

MMI IV-V

Chase City, Va.: A "violent earthquake shock." Windows rattled and buildings shook. "Some heard a roaring sound and few were frightened." (RD 6/l/97)

Norfolk, Va. and Portsmouth, Va.: "A distinct shock of an earthquake followed immediately by a heavier shock.... People rushed into the streets panic-stricken.... Great excitement prevailed." Many clocks stopped. No damage. (RD 6/i/97)

"Everybody got a good scare." No damage. (RT 6/l/97)

Time - 13:57 (MWR)

Suffolk, Va.: "A slight but very decided earthquake shock". . . felt throughout Suffolk. Made some dizzy. Windows shaken "as though by wind." Some ran from their house "startled." No damage. (RD 6/l/97)

Washington, D.C. : Chandeliers swayed and floors trembled perceptibly. "It was noticed at the capitol, in the Telephone Exchange, and in several of the high buildings. In the Associate Press office, in the Post Office Building, the vibrations were felt very distinctly." (RD 6/l/97)

"Many buildings were considerably shaken." No damage. (RT 6/l/97)

"What was supposed to have been an earthquake was felt here.... The vibrations were felt very distinctly." Self-recording instrument at the Weather Bureau shows it began at 1:58 1/4 and lasted five minutes. (NYT 6/l/97)

"Weather Bureau seismograph recorded continuous series of shocks from 13:58:15 to 14:03:15." (MWR)

Charlotte, N.C.: Felt. (RD 6/l/97

Very little damage. (RT 6/l/97)

"A distinct earthquake shock.... No damage, but created much excitement." (NYT 6/l/97)

Time - 13:45. "Throughout the mountain district a violent shock." (MWR)

MMI IV

Amherst, Va. - "Houses shook, windows rattled, and the earth trembled with a convulsive motion." Accompanied by a "low rumbling sound." (RD 6/l/97)

Chesterfield County (Bon Air, Va.) - "A slight shock of an earthquake... The store buildings shook, causing things hanging against the walls to rattle." (RD 6/l/97)

Greenwood, Va. - "Felt over the entire county of Albemarle, shaking houses and causing general alarm." Men at large brick freight depot "rushed out to see what was wrong." (RD 6/l/97)

Nottoway Courthouse, Va.: -"A very perceptible earthquake ... distinctly felt by many persons." No damage. Preceded by a "loud rumbling sound which seemed to roll from southwest to northeast." (RD 6/l/97)

Staunton, Va.: "Perceptibly felt." Heavy rumble, rattling of windows. People "distinctly saw the sway of a brick building." (RD 6/l/97)

Felt. (RT 6/l/97)

Time - 13:59. Heavy rumble (MWR)

Waynesboro, Va.: "A distinct earthquake shock." (RD 6/l/97)

Williamsburg, Va.: Felt by "nearly everybody in town." All recognized it. (RD 6/l/97)

Chattanooga, Tenn.: "A slight earthquake shock. . . felt throughout East Tennessee from Bristol to Chattanooga." No damage. (NYT 6/l/97)

"Very slight shock at 1 p.m., duration of 10 seconds, soon followed by second shock." (MWR)

Wheeling, W.Va.: "A distinct earthquake shock... felt all over Wheeling and surrounding towns.... Shook brick buildings slightly. No damage." (RD 6/l/97)

"Violent enough to shake brick buildings slightly." (NYT 6/l/97)

MMI IV?

Fincastle, Va.: Vibrations "preceded by a noise resembling that made by the rumbling of cars." Houses shaken. Shaking of doors and windows "distinctly heard". (RD 6/l/97)

Cleveland Ohio: "A severe earthquake shock was felt at this point." (RD 6/1/97) (DL 5/31/97)

Very little damage. (RT 6/l/97)

"Time - 12:32. Adelbert College seismograph recorded vibrations as being from northeast to southeast and about 0.01 inch in extent." (MWR)

MMI III-IV

Luray, Va.: "A very perceptible shock of an earthquake....Articles of furniture and some buildings vibrated slightly." (RD 6/l/97)

Spartanburg, S.C.: "A distinct earthquake, shaking buildings and rattling windows.... As severe as that of August, 1886." (Charleston earthquake) (RD 6/l/97)

MMI III

Lester Manor, Va. (King William County) - "Quite a distinct earthquake shock." Windows and doors rattled. No damage. (RD 6/l/97)

Atlanta,_Ga.: "Clearly felt." Trembling "not severe.... There was no excitement." (RD 6/1/97)

"Alarming shake, most severe since 1884; the quake seems not to have extended into the Piedmont region." (MWR)

Louisville, Ky.: "A distinct earthquake shock." (RD 6/l/97

Lasted about five seconds. Passed north to south. (NYT 6/l/97)

Shortly after 2 p.m.; duration - seconds. (MWR)

Wilson, N.C.: "An earthquake shock was plainly felt here." Windows rattled. (RD 6/l/97)

Pittsburgh, Pa.: "A slight earthquake shock.... Quite perceptible in high buildings." (RD 6/l/971

Felt. (NYT 6/l/97)

"13:54 to 13:55, slight shock; perceptible in buildings, but not on street." (MWR)

MMI III?

Greenville, N.C.: "A distinct earthquake shock." (RD 6/l/97)

Huntington, W.Va.: "An earthquake shock was felt here distinctly and throughout Southern West Virginia." (DL 5/31/97)

MMI II-III

Indianapolis, Ind.: "A slight earthquake shock.... Most noticeable in the fire-tower and in high buildings." (RD 6/l/97)

Baltimore, Md.: "A slight earthquake.... Not noticeable, except in the high buildings." (RD 6/l/97)

In high buildings a distinct vibration was felt lasting nearly a minute. (NYT 6/l/97)

New Bern, N.C.: "A decided shock of an earthquake.... Persons in the upper part of buildings felt it quite sensibly, while those on the lower floors and-ground did not perceive it." (RD 6/l/97)

FELT

Carson, Va.: Felt. (RD 6/l/97)

Jarratts, Va. (Sussex County): Felt. (Rd 6/l/97)

Oak, Va. (New Kent County): Vibrations "as distinct as those of the earthquake of 1886." (1886 was the Charleston, S.C. earthquake.) (RD 6/l/97)

Stony Creek, Va.: Felt. (R D 6/1 /97)

Covington, Ga. : Time - 14:00. (MWR)

Elberton, Va.: Felt; no time given. (MWR)

Hepzibah, Ga.: Time - 14:05, duration - 2 seconds. (MWR)

Savannah, Ga.: "A slight earthquake." Windows and doors shaken throughout the city. Many made dizzy. (RD 6/l/97)

Toccoa, Ga.: Felt; no time given. (MWR)

Barboursville, Ky.: Felt (RD 6/l/97)

Covington, Ky.: "Waters in lagoon dangerously rough." (MWR)

Greensboro, Ky.: Time 14:00, "severe." (MWVR)

Middlesboro, Ky.: Felt. (RD 6/l/97)

Baltimore, Eastern Shore, Southern Md.: "Three distinct felt shocks" (MWR)

Biltimore, N.C.: Time - 14:00. Duration - 15 seconds. (MWR)

Concord, N.C.: Felt. (RD 6/i/97)

Greensboro, N.C.: Time - 14:00 (MWR)

Linville, N.C.: Perceptible. (MWR)

Murphy, N.C.: Duration - 2 seconds. (MWR)

New London, N.C.: Felt. (RD 6/l/97]

Reidsville, N.C.: "An earthquake shock was felt here." (RD 6/l/97)

Soapstone Mt., N.C.: "Rumbling noises." (MWR)

Waynesville, N.C.: "Perceptible." (MWR)

Columbus, Ohio: "A slight shock of an earthquake was felt here." (RD 6/l/97)

Time - 13:02. Duration - 40 to 50 seconds. Two distinct shocks. (MWR)

South Carolina: Felt. (RD 6/l/97)

Statesburg, S.C.: Time - 13:55 (MWR)

"13:57:30 - Motion of floor and its creaking were very distinct." (MWR)

Greenville, Tenn.: Time - 14:10 (MWR)

Harriman, Tenn.: Time - 10:00 p.m. (?), oscillations for two minutes. (MWR)

Tullahoma, Tenn.: Time - 13:15; duration - 30 seconds (MWR)

Time - 12:57 (MWR)

Charleston, W.Va.: Time - 13:00 (MWR)

Clarksburg, W.Va.: Time - 14:02, duration - 12 seconds (MWR)

Hinton, W.Va.: No details. (MWR)

Newburg, W.Va.: "Severe shock." (MWR)

Parkersburg, W.Va.: "Two shocks between 1 and 2 p.m." (MWR)

OTHER

Saltville, Va.: From Roanoke, Va.: Telegram received from Saltville denying that the saltwells had gone dry since the earthquake shock. (RD 6/4/97)

Lexington, Ky.: The Lexington Daily Leader carries the story of the earthquake for other cities, but does not mention its being felt in Lexington. (DL 5/31/97)

Williamsport, Pa.: "Four or five wells went dry during quake." (MWR)