DEPARTMENT OP THE INTERIOR

BULLETIN

OP THE

UNITED STATES

GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

3STo. 155

WASHINGTON

GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE 

1898
"So
UNITED STATES GEOLOGICAL STJEVEY

CHARLES I). WALCOTT, DIRECTOR

EARTHQUAKES IN CALIFORNIA

1896 and 1897

CHARLES D. PERRINE

ASSISTANT ASTRONOMER IN CHARGE OF EARTHQUAKE OBSERVATIONS 

AT THE LICK OBSERVATORY

WASHINGTON

GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE

1898

CONTENTS.

Page. 

Letter of transmittal........................................................ 7

Introduction................................................................ 9

Instruments ............................................................ 9

Scale of measurements .................................................. 10

Differences of intensity ................................................. 10

Stations ................................................................ 12

Magnifying ratios of Ewing seismographs. of three components, and of 

the duplex-pendulum seismographs.................................... 12

Chronologic record, 1896 .................................................... 18

Chronologic record, 1897 .............. i..................................... 26

Index of places ............................................................. 47

5

LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL.

LICK OBSERVATORY, 

UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, 

Mount Hamilton, May 16, 1898.

DEAR SIR: I transmit herewith the record of earthquakes in California in 1806 and 1897, by Mr. Perrine. I trust that you may be able 

to publish this as a bulletin, as previously. The list of earthquakes in 

1896 has already been published in a list compiled by Professor Holden 

and printed as one of the Smitbsonian Miscellaneous Collections, but 

as it occupies only a few pages, to complete the series published by the 

Survey, we have thought you would prefer to have it included. 

Yours, very truly,

J. M. SCHAEBERLE,

Acting Director 

Hon. CHARLES D. WALCOTT,

Director United States Geological Survey.

l

EARTHQUAKES IN CALIFORNIA IN 1896 AND 1897.

By CHARLES D. PERRINE.

INTRODUCTION.

The following paper is a continuation of similar records 1 furnished 

by officers of the Lick Observatory, and completes the list up to the 

end of 1897. It records all the shocks observed or felt on Mount 

Hamilton and all those reported to the Lick Observatory by letter, as 

well as newspaper reports of such earthquakes as occurred in the State

during the year.

It also includes a number of shocks in various localities on the Pacific 

coast which it was thought might not have been recorded in other 

reports. No systematic examination of newspapers has been made, 

however, and some reports of earthquakes may have escaped notice.

INSTRUMENTS.

The instruments used for recording earthquakes on Mount Hamilton 

are described in Publications of the Lick Observatory. Vol. I, p. 82. 

The largest and most complete instrument records the uorth-and-south, 

east-and-west, and vertical components of the earth's motion separately 

on a smoked-glass plate, which is started by the preliminary tremors 

of the earthquake and rotates in about three minutes, the edge of the 

plate being graduated into seconds by the clock, which also serves to 

record the time of occurrence of the shock. This instrument has been 

called the Ewing seismograph in the notes. Another form consists of 

the heavy u duplex" pendulum adjusted to a long period of vibration, 

with a magnifying pointer or pen, Avhich records on a smoked-glass 

plate both horizontal components of the motion. The vertical component .and the time are not recorded. The motion of the earth is 

magnified 4.6 diameters in the duplex seismometers. The Observatory 

possesses other seismographs of various patterns, biit they are not 

constantly in use.

'List of recorded earthquakes in California, Lower California, Oregon, and AVashington Territory, 

from 17G9 to 1888, by Edward S. Holclen, Sacramento, State Printing Office, 1887. Earthquakes in 

California in 1888, l)y Edward S. Holden: Am. Jour. Scj., 3d series, vol. 37, May, 1889. Earthquakes 

in California in 1889, liy James E. Keeler: Bull. TJ. S. Geol. Survey No. 68, 1890. Earthquakes in 

California in 1890 and 1891, by Edward S. Holden : Bull. TJ. S. Geol. Survey No. 95,1892. Earthquakes 

in California in 1892, by Charles D. Perrine: Bull. TJ. S. Geol. Survey No. 112, 1893. Earthquakes in 

California in 1893, by Charles D. Perrine: Bull. TJ. S. Geol. Survey No. 114,1894. Earthquakes in California in 1894, by Charles D. Perrine: Bull. TJ. S. Geol. Survey No. 129,1895. Earthquakes in California 

in 1895, by Charles D. Perriue: Bull. TJ. S. Geol. Survey No. 147, 1890.

9
10 EARTHQUAKES IN CALIFORNIA IN 1896 AND 1897. [BULL. 155. 

SCALE OF MEASUREMENTS.

In the record made by the Ewing seismograph both the horizontal 

components are magnified about 4 diameters (see p. 12), and the vertical component is magnified 1.8 diameters. The measures of the 

vibrations as given in the notes are taken directly from the tracings, 

and therefore represent the magnified motion, unless otherwise mentioned.

If both the period (T) and the amplitude (a) of an earthquake wave 

are given, the maximum acceleration due to the impulse, which may 

be taken as the measure of the intensity (I) or destructive effect of the

shock, is given by the formula 

£;r 2_a

1 m 2

in which the motion is assumed to be harmonic.

DIFFERENCES OF INTENSITY.

Estimates of the intensity of shocks are given also (in Eoman 

numerals inclosed in parentheses) according to the Eossi-Forel scale, 

which for convenience of reference is inserted below. Experience has 

suggested that for observations in California a few additions should be 

made to this scale, and these are printed here in italics. When these 

are in quotation marks also they are expressions actually used in newspapers, etc., in describing earthquake shocks whose intensity is otherwise known. The scale as amended is as accurate as anything of the 

kind can be.

I.

Microseismic shocks recorded by a single seismograph, or by seismographs of the same model, but not putting seismographs of different 

patterns in motion; reported by experienced observers only.

II.

Shocks recorded by several seismographs of different patterns; 

reported by a small number of persons at rest; "a very light shock."

HI.

Shock reported by a number of persons at rest; duration or direction 

noted: "a shock;" " a light shock."

IV.

Shock reported by persons in motion; shaking of movable objects, 

doors, and windows, cracking, of ceilings; "moderate;'' "strong;" 

"sharp;" (sometimes) "light."

v.

Shock felt generally by everyone; furniture shaken; some bells rung; 

some clocks stopped; some sleepers -wakedj "smart;" "strong;" "heavy;" 

"severe;" "sharp;" "quite violent."
PEllBINE.] ROSSI-FOREL SCALE OF INTENSITY. 

 VI.

11

General awakening of sleepers; general ringing of bells; swinging 

of chandeliers; stopping of clocks; visible swaying of trees; some 

persons run out of buildings; 'window glass broken; "severe;" "very 

severe; " " violent."

'vil.

Overturning of loose objects; falling of plaster; striking of church 

bells; general fright, without damage to buildings; nausea felt; "vio-, 

lent;" "very violent."

VIII.

tailing of chimneys; cracks in the walls of buildings.

IX.

Partial or total destruction of some buildings.

X.

Great disasters; overturning of rocks; fissures in the surface of the 

ground; mountain slides.

The relation between the intensity of a shock as determined by the 

formula already given and the numbers of the Rossi-Forel scale has 

been reduced from all available data up to 1888 by Professor Holden, 

and is given below in tabular form. It is, of course, a rough approximation only:

Intensity, Rossi-Forel scale.

I...................................

II...................................

III...................................

IV...................................

v........................... ........

VI...................................

VII....'...............................

VIII...................................

IX...................................

Intensity, 

millimeters 

per second.

20

40

60

80

110

1 ^0

300

1,200

Difference.

20

20

20

30

40

200

One of the objects of the earthquake observations on Mount Hamilton is to obtain data for correcting this table, so that the intensity (I) 

of a shock, as denned mathematically by the formula

(where V is the maximum velocity of the vibrating particle), can be 

inferred from the ordinary description of its effects.
12 EARTHQUAKES IN CALIFORNIA IN 1896 AND 1897. [BULL. 155.

STATIONS.

A number of duplex-pendulum seismographs, quite similar to the one 

used at the Lick Observatory, are placed at different points on the 

Pacific coast, but they are not all in operation. The stations are:

Students' Observatory, Berkeley, in charge of Professor Leuschner.

Chabot Observatory, Oakland, in charge of Mr. Burckhalter.

Private observatory of Mr. Blinu, in East Oakland.

Observatory of the University of the Pacific, San Jose.

Observatory of Mills College, near Oakland, in charge of Professor 

Keep.

Office of State Weather Bureau, Carson, Nevada, in charge of Professor Friend.

Alameda, California, at the residence of Mr. P. Perrine.

Esquimault, British Columbia, at the Meteorological Station, Mr. E. 

Baynes Eeed in charge.

Tacoma, Washington, at the residence of Mr. F. G-. Pluinmer. (Mr. 

Pulmmer's seismograph is not a duplex.)

The reports of the United States Weather Bureau and of the United 

States Light-House Board should be consulted in this connection, as 

they record disturbances felt at their stations, which may not be 

included in this list.

MAGNIFYING RATIOS OF EWING SEISMOGRAPHS OF THREE COMPONENTS, AND OF THE DUPLEX-PENDULUM SEISMOGRAPHS.

In the following deductions the pen and plate are assumed to move 

with respect to the steady point, and the motions of each are considered separately. In the reduction of the recorded displacements given 

by the pens upon the smoked glass plate, to the actual displacement of 

the earth particle, there are several circumstances to be taken into 

account, In the case of the two horizontal components there are four 

considerations, viz:

A. The ratio of the pens, i. e., the distance from the point of the 

pen to the steady point, divided by the distance from the steady point 

to the point of support.

B. The angle which the meridian of the pens makes with the true 

meridian of the place. If they coincide, there is no factor to be introduced on that account.

C. The angle which a radius of the circular plate drawn through 

the point of the pen makes with a line drawn through the point of the 

pen and the steady point. If this angle is 90 degrees, there is no 

factor to be introduced on this account.

D. The effect on the record caused by the motion of the record 

plate itself, due to the earthquake.

Let a = the record of the N. and S. pen as it appears upon the plate. 

& = the record of the E. and W. pen as it appears upon the plate.
PERRINK.] MAGNIFYING RATIOS OP INSTRUMENTS. 13

Let d = distance from steady point to point of support of pendulum. 

e = distance from steady point to point of pen.

_ e 

r ~d 

x = angle which the meridian of the pendulums makes with the

true meridian of the place.

y and y'= angle between the direction of the pen arm and a 

radius of the plate drawn through its point for the N. and 

S. and E. and W. pens, respectively. 

z = angle which the radius of the plate drawn through the point

of the pen makes with the true meridian of the place. 

a = actual displacement of the earth N. and S. 

ft = actual displacement of the earth E. and W. 

A. The ratio of the pens is the ratio of the distances from the 

steady point to the point of the peji, and from the steady point to the 

point of support; in the instruments we are especially considering, 

the line joining the steel points which bear in the agate cups. Theoretically, the steady point, or rather line, is the vertical line through the 

cylindrical weight about which the force of gravity is symmetrical. 

Practically, there is a little uncertainty as to the exact location of the 

steady point, which, however, will be very near the axis of the 

cylindrical weight. 

This ratio is given by the formula :

B. The horizontal pendulums should be so adjusted that their meridian coincides with the true meridian of the pla.ce; i. e., that the plane 

(q) passing through the points of support and the steady point of the 

pendulum, in the case of the E. and W. pendulum, should coincide with 

the meridian. Tn the X. and S. pendulum this plane should lie E. and W.

If, however, there is no such coincidence and the meridian of the 

instruments makes an appreciable angle (x) with the true meridian, 

then the displacements of the pendulums in the true coordinates by 

the earthquake will vary with this angle. If the direction of the earth's 

motion which it is designed to register is not normal to the plane (q), 

then the recorded motion will be less than it should be in the ratio of 

cos x : 1.

0. If the horizontal pens are so situated that when at rest the radii 

of the plate passing through their points are tangent to the arcs 

described by them, then no factor is to be introduced on this account. 

Otherwise the displacement measured on such a radius will be too small 

in the proportion cos y : 1.

D. The plate upon which the record is made is, of course, carried 

about by the earth in it movements, which must be taken into account 

in deducing the actual motion of the earth from the records of the pens.
14 EARTHQUAKES IN CALIFORNIA IN 1896 AND 1897. [BULL. 155.

In horizontal pendulums where the angle (p) between the lines drawn 

from the steady point to the point of the pen and from the steady point 

to the point of support is greater than 90 degrees, it can be shown that 

the motion of the plate due to the earthquake will be additive to the peris 

motion, thus increasing the record of the pen, the plate being carried 

under the pen in an opposite direction to that in which the pen is moving. 

On the other hand, if the angle (p) is less than 90 degrees the effect 

will be the opposite ; i. e., to decrease the pen's record. This assumes 

that the pendulums are not far out of adjustment with respect to their 

meridians. In the Lick Observatory instruments the angle (p) is greater 

than 90 degrees; hence the effect is to increase the record. This is true 

for both coordinates.

The component motion of the plate N. and S. as projected on a radius 

depends upon the angle (z) which that particular radius makes with the 

meridian, and varies as the cosine of that angle.

The component motion of the plate E. and W. as projected on the 

radius passing through the point of the E. and W. pen will vary as the 

sine of the angle (z).

From the foregoing we deduce the following formulae for the reduction 

of the observed records to the true displacements of the earth :

5 = 1 cos_^_sjn_y icos0 x

= sing (2)

jj (A/

Professor Schaeberle suggests that we may also consider the plate 

and supports of the pens as one rigid system, and the steady point to 

move with respect to this system. .

Let/= distance from point of pen to point of support of pendulum, 

and, as before, d = distance from steady point to point of support of 

pendulum.

Then, on the above assumption, it can be shown that

a - b -~f (3\ 

a~-p-d (6}

so long as the instrumental meridian coincides with the true meridian 

of the station, and the radius of the plate passing through the points of 

the pens is normal to the lines passing through the points of the pens 

and their points of support. If, however, the instrument is not in 

adjustment in these two particulars, due allowance must be made for 

such variations. ,

THE VERTICAL COMPONENT.

In the mechanism for recording the earth's vertical motion, the pen 

proper is jointed to a vertical arm, which in turn is fastened rigidly to 

the counterpoised pendulum. The lifting by the earth causes the joint 

between the pen arm and the vertical arm to be displaced in the arc of
PEBKINE.] MAGNIFYING RATIOS OF INSTRUMENTS. 15

a circle whose center is the steady point of the pendulum. This displacement is resolved into a horizontal component (s), which leads to 

the magnified record on the plate, and a vertical component (t\. 

Let /i=distance from steady point to point where pen arm is hinged

to vertical arm.

i=distance from point of .support to hinge of pen arm. 

j=distance from steady point to point of support of pendulum. 

ms= angular displacement of the hinge of pen arm from the

steady point as a center.

%=angle included between the lines drawn from pen arm hinge 

to steady point, and from pen arm hinge to point of support of pendulum.

s=horizontal component of the displacement of pen-arm hinge. 

<=vertical component of the displacement of pen-arm hinge. 

j/=vertical displacement of the earth,

c'=the record of the vertical pen as it appears upon the plate. 

m and n are found from

sin vn % (4)

«/

iau 'it 

and Ave find s and t from

tan n 4 (5)

v

s=h_smm cos M) 

cos w

^

cos m

For ordinary displacements of the earth (m being always small) we 

may write (6) and (7) in the following forms:

s=h sin m cos n (8) 

t=h sin m sin n (9)

It will be seen that the pen-arm hinge is lifted a little higher by the 

earth's motion than the plate itself. This causes the pen's record on 

the plate to be shortened slightly.

In a seismograph of the usual form the dimensions are such that so 

long as the pen arm makes but a small angle with the plane of the 

plate this factor will be small.

To compute the amount of this shortening, we have the following 

quantities in a right triangle:

'a' = distance from point of pen to hinge of pen arm = hypotenuse.

&' == perpendicular let fall from hinge of pen arm to plate. 

G' = distance from pen's point to foot of perpendicular = base

of triangle.

A', B', G1 =± angles opposite given sides respectively, A1 being 

the right angle.
16 EARTHQUAKES IN CALIFORNIA IN 1896 AND 1897. [BULL. 155.

We find B' from

sin B' = ~ (10) 

and we have (approximately) : ''

in which A c1 is the decrease in the record due to the increase ( A &') in 

the distance from pen-arm hinge to plate as a result of the lifting of 

the instrument by the shock.

For the Lick Observatory instrument we have :

a' = 5in .75 

b' = lin .75

Using this data, I have computed the shortening of the record due to 

this cause, and find it to be only Oi ".014 for a vertical motion of the 

earth of Oin.50. Hence it will be seen that for shocks likely to be 

observed with these instruments this effect may be ignored without 

sensible error.

If in equation (8) we substitute for h cos n its equivalent t, and for

Y

sin in its equivalent . we find (approximately),

It can be shown that the same result follows from considering the 

motion to be about the support of the pendulum as the axis. 

Finally we have for the magnifying ratio of the vertical pen,

- = - + Ac' (12)

Y Y V '

in which A c' may be neglected, as shown, or with sufficient accuracy,

For the Lick Observatory instruments we have the following data: 

d == 3.75 inches, 

e = 13.0 inches, 

x = 6°, 

y = 105°, 

y' = 760, 

z = 380.5, 

h 10.3 inches, 

i = 9.0 inches, 

j = 5.0 inches, 

from which we derive the following ratios :

. =4.11 (KandS.)

a v '

-^- = 3.97 . . (E.andW.)

 = 1.8 (vertical).

The data given above and the constants deduced from them are suitable for the reduction of observations from April, 1893, to date.
PERRINE.] MAGNIFYING RATIOS OF INSTRUMENTS. 17

MAGNIFYING RATIO OP THE DUPLEX SEISMOGRAPH.

In the ordinary form of this instrument there are two circumstances 

to be considered as affecting the magnification of the earth's motion, 

viz:

First. The magnifying ratio of the vertical arm, which is given by

a^_ . W 

in which

a" = distance from lower end of vertical arm to level of glass

plate; 

b" = distance from lower end of vertical arm to gimbal joint of

bracket.

Second. The motion of the plate itself during the shoct. It can be 

shown that the motion of the plate itself tends to decrease the record 

by the amount of the earth's motion. Hence we have the following

formula for the magnification:

a" b"

b"

In the Lick Observatory instrument of this class we have,

a" = 13iu .10 

b" = 2 .35 

and consequently the magnifying ratio = 4.6.

Owing to uncertainties, such as the friction of the pen upon the 

plate, the friction of the pendulums at the point of support, the probable motion of the steady point itself after a few seconds, and-other 

minor causes, it is not necessary to take into account all the lesser 

factors affecting the magnification of the record. All that is here 

attempted is to include those which have a practical effect. I have 

not been able to find the formulae for these reductions in any publication on the subject here. 

Bull. 155 2
18 EARTHQUAKES IN CALIFOKNIA IN 1896 AND 1897. [BOLL. 155.

CHRONOLOGICAL RECORD, 1896.'

1896. January 3; Esquimault, British Columbia; lOh. 9m. p. m., P. s. t.2 

A distinct shock of earthquake. Reported by E. Baynes Reed. 

1896. January 3; Victoria, British Columbia; lOh. 20m. p. m.

A severe shock of earthquake was felt here to-night at 10.20 o'clock. 

Many citizens in the public offices, believing the shock to be produced by the falling in of some large roof, or like cause, hurried to 

the streets. Newspaper report.

1896. January 3 ; Port Angeles, Washington; lOh. 30m. p. m. 

At 10.30 o'clock last night two distinct shocks of earthquake were 

felt in this city. They were severe enough to shake chimneys off 

lamps and dishes off shelves (VII Rossi-Forel scale). Newspaper 

report dated January 4,1896.

1896. January 5; Cocopah Mountains, via Indio, January 5.

Prospectors report seeing immense quantities of smoke and steam 

rising off the desert toward the volcanoes below the Cocopah 

Mountains during the day and a bright light at night, showing that 

the volcanoes in that vicinity are again in active operation. San 

Francisco Chronicle. 

1896. January 8; Turn Point Light House, Washington; 9h. 56m. p. m. 

A shock. MS. kindly communicated by the United States LightHouse Board.

1896. January 8; Lake Chapala, Mexico, via San Diego, California, January 12.

Prof. E. H. Coffey, of this city, has just received a letter from a correspondent living near Lake Chapala, State of Jalisco, Mexico, 

 which describes some startling phenomena occurring there. Lake 

Chapala is a sheet of water 50 miles long and 10 miles wide. The 

formation of the country around it is purely volcanic. On the forenoon of January 8 the residents of one of the small settlements 

near the western end of the lake were terrified to see a gigantic 

whirlpool raging far out on the waters. The water rose in great 

serpentine movements and from all directions rushed toward a 

common center, where a vast cavity seemed to exist. At the same 

time a heavy rumbling, apparently in the bowels of the earth, took 

place. The whirlpool was caused by the sudden sinking of a 

large portion of the lake's bottom. The disturbance continued for 

twenty minutes, and before it subsided several pleasure boats were 

drawn into the whirlpool and disappeared with their occupants. 

It is estimated that a score of lives were lost. San- Francisco 

Examiner, January 13.

1 Included ill this list arc one or twa reports the correctness of which may be doubted. These were 

derived from newspapers entirely and are of such a nature that they should bo confirmed before 

acceptance. Each of these doubtful reports has been indicated by some note.

2 Pacific slope time.
PEHMSB.] CHRONOLOGICAL RECORD, 1806. 19

1896. January 25, 27; Carson, Nevada.

Prof. C. W. Friend reports: We Lave had quite a number of earthquake shocks on January 25 and 27,1896; they were rather peculiar. On the 25th the first noticeable one occurred, at 4.45 a. m., 

and was the heaviest that day. I also noticed one at 4.4G a. in. 

and 5.02 a. m., both light. The motion, west to east, was hardly 

perceptible.

We had quite a number of shocks on the 27th, viz: 7.59 a. m. S. to 

"N\ (II Eossi-Forel scale); 8.34 a. m. W. to E. (Ill); 31.04 a. m. SW. 

toNE. (Ill)j. 11.19 a.m. SW. to KE. (I); 1.01 p. in. SW. to NE. (IV)j 

6.32 p. m. SW. to NE. (II); and quite a number of very light 

tremors between, which I noticed, being quiet in the building. 

The seismographs did not record a spot larger than one-tenth inch 

on the plate for all of these, although some of the shocks were 

quite severe, so much so that a great many people were scared. 

On the 25th I hung up a 1-ounce plumb bob 011 a fine thread 3 

feet long in a glass case fastened to a stone wall, and it was all 

I could do to determine the motion by it; all the shocks, including those of the 25th, were vertical and produced a very strange 

feeling. 

1896. January 27 ; Carson, Nevada.

The first heavy shock was about 8.30 o'clock in the morning, and it 

was quick and lively. It rattled the glass and china in everybody's cupboard, made the windows shake, and got several lazy 

people out of bed (E.-F. V?). The next was about 11 o'clock and 

was also quite sharp. At 1 o'clock came the heaviest of all, and 

it shook every building in the city. The capitol building was particularly well shaken, and inside of a minute there was a rush to 

the basement of the building to see the record of the seismograph. It had been deflected about an eighth of an inch by each 

shock, and had also recorded small shocks all through the day.

The Signal Service records showed a very unsettled barometer. 

Eapid changes occurred, and their suddenness was unequaled by 

anything recorded since last July. These shocks were all graded 

as No. Ill, Eossi-Forel scale. There were two others during the 

day that graded I and II, respectively. The first was north and 

south, the second east and west, and the last three southwest and 

northeast. They were principally vertical.

The jar at 1 o'clock made a large crack in the side of the Government building, and shook some of the plaster from the ceiling of 

the county building (VII). San Francisco Call. 

1896. February; Tauquiz Peak, via Los Angeles, February 4.

A special to the Times from San Jacinto says: There is considerable 

excitement here over what appears to be an eruption of part of 

the San Jaciuto Mountains called Tauquiz Peak, 20 miles from here. 

The streets of San Jacinto have been crowded with people looking 

through telescopes at the ominous clouds of smoke which have
20 EARTHQUAKES IN CALIFORNIA IN 1896 AND 1897. [BULL. 155.

1896. February; Tauquiz Peak, via Los Angeles, February 4 Continued, 

hung over Tauquiz .all day. When first noticed at 9 o'clock the 

vicinity of the peak was hazy with smoke. Within the next hour 

this cleared away and glasses leveled at the extinct volcano were 

able to detect a straight line of smoke ascending. Soon this disappeared, and then, puff, puff, came more black smoke, like that 

which pours out of the smokestack of a locomotive. 

The smoke has continued to pour out of Tauquiz all day, and everybody is much excited, fearing an eruption. This peak has been 

pronounced by scientists an extinct volcano. San Francisco Chronicle. February 5,1896. 

This report has not been confirmed. C. D. P.

1896. February 5; Tauquiz Mountain, via San Bernardino, February 5. 

Parties who have returned from the San Jacinto Mountain report 

that Mount Tauquiz gives out mysterious rumblings and that 

smoke is plainly visible. To-day smoke was seen from this city. 

San Francisco Chronicle.

1896. February 5; Tauquiz Mountain, via San Bernardino, February 7. 

Mount Tauquiz, a spur of the San Jacinto Mountains, and well known 

to be an extinct volcano, situated about 12 miles from the town of 

San Jacinto, is again reported to be giving forth smoke. Two men 

from San Jacinto say a column of vapor can be plainly seen rising 

from the highest point and that it looks nearly as white as snow. 

Eeports of this mountain being in a state of active eruption have 

been numerous for several days, and to morrow a party of newspaper reporters will leave the* city on an expedition to Tauquiz. 

The last 4 miles of the trip will have to be made through banks 

of snow several feet in depth, the mountain being covered with 

snow this season of the year and being 10,000 feet in height. San 

Francisco Examiner, February 8,1896.

1896. February 5; Tauquiz Mountain, via San Bernardino, February 9.

It is reported to-day that people in and about Mount Tauquiz are 

getting ready to leave the vicinity, as the action of the mountain 

is, to say the least, very threatening.

The first that was noticeable in its strange demeanor was a whistling 

sound not shrill, but hoarse and guttural-like. This was followed 

by a deep roar like distant thunder, followed by peal on peal.

This continued for several days, when one morning the Indians in 

camp were startled by a shock like that of a heavy earthquake, 

and immediately smoke was seen issuing from the mountain's 

peak, at first in thin white layers, followed immediately by puffs 

like those from the smokestack of an engine. This has kept up. 

almost incessantly up to date.

It has been handed down in Indian history in that neighborhood that 

Mount Tauquiz once belched forth volumes of fire. San Francisco 

Call, February 10,1896.
PEBRINE.] CHRONOLOGICAL RECORD, 1896. 21

1896. February 6; East Clallam, Washington ; 9h. 55m. p. m.

Quite a well-defined shock. The direction of the temblor was from 

west to east. It lasted about a minute. Every house in the town, 

large and small, was shaken to its very foundations, but as far as 

can be learned no damage was done.

The Indians on Neah Bay Reservation all felt the shock. The same 

.shock was also experienced on Tatoosh Island about the same time. 

The captain of the bark Edinburghshire, lying at anchor in the bay, 

says the shock was felt by every person aboard his vessel. Some 

of the sailors became so scared that they wanted to take to the 

ship's boats. San Francisco Chronicle.

1896. February 13; Redding.

A slight earthquake shock was felt in this city about 10 o'clock this 

forenoon. The shock was more perceptible in the western part of 

the city and on the hill upon which the county court-house stands. 

1896. February 13; Weaverville; 9h. 55m. p. m. '

Three successive shocks of earthquake were felt very perceptibly 

here at 9.55 o'clock. They were of short duration, with a vibration 

from south to north. Buildings of more than one story received a 

hard shaking.

1896. February 13; Eureka ; 9h. 55m. p. m.

At 9.55 o'clock this morning a sharp shock of earthquake, vibrating 

from north to south, was felt in Humboldt County. San Francisco 

Examiner, February 14,1896.

1896. February 15; Los Angeles; 2h. 52m. p. m.

A distinct shock of earthquake was felt here at 2.52 p. in. The temblor lasted several seconds. Large buildings of substantial structure were considerably shaken. In the court-house the shock was 

distinctly felt by the county officials and their deputies, and they 

were frightened.

1896. February 15 ; Pasadena; 2h. 57m. p. m.

Pasadena was visited by a slight earthquake shock at 2.57 o'clock 

this afternoon, lasting about fifteen seconds. The wave seemed to 

pass from northwest to southeast. San Francisco Call. 

1896. February 15; Los Angeles; 2h. 45m. p. m. 

A slight shock, lasting about two seconds, was felt in this vicinity at

2.-15 o'clock this afternoon. San Francisco Chronicle. 

1896. March 15; Burrard Mountains, British Columbia, via Vancouver, 

British Columbia, March 16.

One of the Burrard Mountains, directly opposite Yaucouvetr and 10 

miles distant, is believed to have been in a state of eruption last, 

night. Numbers of persons vouch for the accuracy of the statement. C. Harris, a reputable lawyer, declares that dense smoke 

and flames poured from the mountain for several minutes. No 

one has scaled the mountain, so that its geological formation is 

.not known. In view of the fact that several shocks of earthquake 

occurred here in the past year, the story is believed by many. 

Newspaper report.

This report has not been confirmed. C. D. P.
22 EARTHQUAKES IN CALIFORNIA IN 1896 AND 1897. [BULUJS&

1896. March 19; Carson, Nevada; 4h. 1m. a. m.

Light. 0. W. F. 

1896. March 20; Carson, Nevada; llh. 25m. p. m.

Light C. W. F.

1896. April 2; Portland, Oregon; 3h. 20m. -^ p. m. 

About 3.20 a. m. a single shock of brief duration was felt here. The

shock was felt as far south as Salem. 

1896. April 2 ; McMinnville, Oregon; 3h. 17m. a. m. 

The inhabitants were awakened at 3.17 this morning by an earthquake (E.-F. YI). Two or three distinct shocks followed in quick 

succession, with a loud-rumbling noise coming from the west. Tlie 

earth appeared to tip toward the east. San Francisco Chronicle. 

1896. April 28; San Francisco; 2h. 57m. p. m.

A slight shock, lasting a very short time. It was observed by none 

of the Weather Bureau officials on the tenth floor of the Mills 

Building.

"We were in the office of the Alaska Commercial Company, at 310 

Sansome street, when the shock occurred," said Professor Davidson. 

" All who felt the shock agreed that the movement was from east 

to west. The shock was very light and of short duration, lasting 

not more than a second, if that long. My son took the time, which 

was 2.57 p. m." San Francisco Chronicle, April 29, 1896. 

1896. April 28; Alameda.

A disturbance was registered by Mr. Perrine's instrument, the principal motion being north and south.

1896. June 5 ; lOh. 20m. p. m.; Cape Blanco Lighthouse, Oregon. 

Tower vibrated considerably for about thirty seconds. I could not 

say positively that it was caused by an earthquake. MSS. kindly 

communicated by the United States Light-House Board. 

1896, June ; Big River, California, via Ukiah, June 23.

Considerable excitement was created on the coast of Mendociiio " a

few days ago" by an immense tidal wave. The swell was 7 

feet higher than ordinary and rushed up Big Eiver with great 

force. The great wall of water is attributed to the Japanese earthquake. San Francisco Chronicle, June 24,1896.

1896. July 3; San Diego; 9h. 27m. p. m.

A severe shock of earthquake. It lasted for several seconds. The 

oscillation was from north to south and was quite pronounced. 

Newspaper report. 

1896. July 13; Berkeley.

Slight record. Professor Soule". 

1896. July 23; Vallejo; Ih. 50m. a. m.

A sharp shock. The vibrations were from southeast to northwest. 

San Francisco Chronicle.

1896. July 25 ; Berkeley.

Slight record N. and S. [?]. Professor Soule.
CHRONOLOGICAL RECORD, 1896. 23

1896. July 26; Berkeley.

Same as July 25 [ t]. 

1896. August 11; Mount Hamilton; 8h. 58m. 7s. j^p. m., P. s. t.

Rossi-Forel II. E. S. Holden.

No record of the above on either of the seismographs.

1896. August 11; Alameda.

Mr. Pennine's seismograph shows quite a complicated tracing, the

principal disturbance being east and west. 

1896. August 17; Merced.

At 3.40 o'clock this morning Merced was visited by an earthquake 

which lasted about three seconds. The roll was from north to 

south and shook things up quite lively for the time. Many clocks 

stopped as .a result (VI). 

1896. August 17; Visalia; 3h. 29. ^ a. m.

A slight earthquake shock was felt here early this morning5 a very

slight temblor, followed in about five seconds by three1 distinct

wave-like motions in quick succession. The direction the waves 

traveled seemed to be a little north of west. The time, as fixed 

by different observers, was from 3.29 to 3.30 o'clock. San Francisco Chronicle.

At 3.26 o'clock this morning Visalia was shaken by an earthquake. 

There were two distinct shocks. Many persons were awakened 

and alarmed (VI). San Jose Mercury, August 18, 1896. 

1896. August 18; Mount Hamilton.

llh. Om. 24s. ± p. in., P. s. t. Eossi-Forel III. E. S. Holden.

llli. Om. 13s., P. s. t A. L. Colton.

1896. August 18; Nap a.

A slight shock was felt here this afternoon. San Francisco Chronicle.

1896. August 18 ; Evergreen, Santa Clara Co.; llh. Om. 15s. p. m., P. B. t.

I was awakened by a slight earthquake, running, apparently, from

north to south. William Wehner. 

1896. August 19 ; Alameda.

A slight disturbance was recorded by Mr. Perrine's seismograph. 

The direction of motion could not be determined.

1896. August 26; Mount Hood, Oregon.

Newspaper dispatches report the narrow escape of a party of tourists 

on Mount Hood on the afternoon of August 26 from an avalanche. 

The dispatches convey the impression of a volcanic eruption, but 

it seems entirely possible to explain the occurrence without any 

such assumption. A slight earthquake may have accompanied or 

even caused the avalanche. No reports have been received of any 

disturbances elsewhere on that day. 

1896. September 1; Pinole, Contra Costa County.

[At 1 o'clock p. m. the works of the California Powder Company 

exploded. There were three separate explosions, the heaviest one 

being the mixing house with its 15,000 pounds of dynamite. This 

explosion was not noticed at Mount Hamilton, nor did the seismographs or barometers record any tremors.]
24 EARTHQUAKES IN CALIFORNIA IN 1896 AND 1897. [BULL. 155.

1896. September 10; Santa Rosa; 3h. 45m. a. m. 

A sharp shock. The vibration was north and south. San Francisco

Chronicle.

1896. September 24; Mount Hamilton; 5h. 25m. p. m. 

5h. 25m. 30s. =t p. m., P. s. t. E.-F. III. E. S. Holden. 

5Ii. 25ni. 45s. p, in., P. s. t. E.-F. I. L. O. main building creaked, but 

did not notice any particular motion. There was a slight mark on 

the plate of the duplex seismograph. C. D. P.

1896. September 30; Descanso.

California State Weather Service Bulletin. 

1896. October 19; Santa Rosa; about 6 a. m.

Quite a severe earthquake shock. The vibrations were from north to 

south, lasting about three seconds. No damage. San Francisco 

Chronicle.

1896. November 3; Mount Hamilton; lOh. 58m. 44s. ^ Is. a. m. 

In my office rattled stove, lamp shade, etc. Three or four short, 

sharp shocks, all within one and one-half seconds. W. W. Campbell.

1896. November 11; Cahto.

Two shocks of more than ordinary note were felt here at 2 o'clock this 

morning. They shook crockery from shelving, stopped clocks, etc., 

doing no material damage. The vibrations were from east to west 

and the duration was about four seconds (E.-F. VI). San Francisco 

Chronicle.

1896. November 29; Mount Hamilton; lib. 3m. 37s. a. m., P. a. t. 

An irregular, slight shaking, lasting five or six seconds. Not exactly 

like the vibrations of an earthquake, but could find no other explanation (E.-F. I). I was in the 12-inch dome at the time. No record 

on the seismographs. C. D. P.

1896. Decembers; Mexico.

A heavy earthquake occurred to-day at the various Pacific ports of

this .Republic, the first shock coming at 9.30 a. m. and the second, 

au up-and-down and very alarming one, at 1.30 p. m., and at 5 p. m. 

the third shock occurred. No casualties are reported. San Francisco Chronicle, December 9,1896.

1896. December 17; Santa Barbara.

A tidal wave, the largest in the history of Santa Barbara, washed 

over the boulevard at 8 o'clock this morning, carrying back with 

it a large section of that beautiful and expensive driveway. The 

boulevard was built some five years ago and bulkheaded so securely 

that it was thought to be impervious to the action of the waves, 

but the bounding billows carried off in its receding grasp a portion of asphaltum and solid masonry, heavy framework and iron, 

nearly 50 feet square and 8 feet deep. A large sand hill between 

the boulevard and ordinary high tide was carried completely out 

to sea. San Jose Mercury, December 18, 1896.
PEKRINE.] CHRONOLOGICAL RECORD, 1896. ." 25

1896. December 22; Mount Hamilton.

111. 52m. 41s., P. s. t. (R.-F. V). E. S. H.

Ih. 52m. 43s., P. s. t. (middle of shock). Three seconds duration. 

Did not rattle dishes. W. W. C.

Ih. 52m. 44s., P. s. t. (end of shock). W. J. H.

Ih. 52m. 44s., P. s. t. (end of shock), duration estimated at two seconds. A. L. C.

Ih. 52m. 37s. ± Is., P. s. t. Time noted at cottage. R. G-. A.

Ih. 52m. 40s. p. m., P. s. t. (beginning). Second floor brick house. 

Lasted two to three seconds. Light tremors increasing to two 

well-marked vibrations, then dies out suddenly. Building creaks. 

Direction seemed to be N. and S. C. D. P.

The duplex seismograph recorded a small" disturbance, about NW. 

and SE. l.o inm. x 1 mm. NE. and SW. The clock only of the 

Ewmg instrument was started.

1896. December'31.

The following notes are from MSS. kindly communicated by the 

United States Light-House Board. The reporters are the lighthouse keepers:

Coquille River (near Bandon), Oregon: The station went into operation February 29, 1896. No earthquakes during the year.

Cape Arago, Oregon: No record of earthquakes from January 4, 

1891. No previous record.

Umpqua River, Oregon: Station went into operation January 1,1895. 

No record of any earthquakes.

Haceta Head, Oregon: Station went into operation April 1, 1895. 

No record of any earthquakes.

Cape Meares, Oregon: Station went into operation January 1, 1890. 

No record of any earthquakes.

Tillarnook Rock, Oregon; also Point Adams, Oregon: No record of 

any earthquakes.

Cape Disappointment, Washington; also Willapa Bay, Ediz Hook, 

New Dungeness, West Point (all in Washington) have no records 

of any shocks on their books. Narrowstone Point, Washington, 

went into operation. April 7, 1896. No earthquakes recorded.

Patos Island, Washington, went into operation December 1, 1893. 

No earthquakes recorded.
26 EARTHQUAKES IN CALIFORNIA.IN 1896 AND 1897. [BULL. 155.

CHRONO.IiOGICAIi RECORD, 1897.

1897. January 1; Berkeley; Ih. 10m. p. m.

Distinct shock; duration, five seconds. Recorded by the duplex seismograph. Reported by the Students' observatory.

1897. January 11; Oaxaca, Mexico; 4h. 25m, p. m. 

CITY OF MEXICO, January 11. At 4.25 this afternoon an earthquake was felt in Oaxaca, the first shock being1 general. The second was very sharp and caused consternation, but no harm was 

done of any consequence. There is much seismic activity in the 

State of Oaxaca, and at one point on the Pacific coast earthquakes 

have kept fishermen in continual alarm. San Francisco Chronicle.

1897. January 16; Mount Hamilton.

3h. 58m. 41s. ± 5s. a. m. R.-F. II. W. W. Campbell.

3h. 58m. 35s.i5s. a. m. R.-F. I. Third story of brick dwelling. 

Two rather long, slow waves lasting one and one-half or two seconds. Scarcely any trace on duplex seismograph. Did not start 

Ewing instrument. C. D. P. 

1897. January 17; San Francisco; Ih. 9m. p. m.

The following facts are taken from an article in the San Francisco 

Call of January 18:

A sharp earthquake shock was felt in all parts of this city a fraction 

of a minute after 1.09 o'clock yesterday afternoon. There were 

two well-defined counter vibrations of considerable force, according to the description by Weather Observer McAdie, who carefully noted the time, and subsequently compared notes with ou6 

of his coworkers in the weather forecast office in the Mills Building. He reports it as one of the shortest shocks he had ever felt, 

and was not certain that it was not due to an explosion rather than 

an earthquake, as he was at lunch and failed to notice any disturbance of the surfaces of liquids.

Prof. George Davidson felt two slight shocks about four seconds 

apart. He thinks the motion was wholly vertical.

The seismographic record at the Chabot Observatory showed that the 

disturbance was a heavy one, and that the vibrations were mainly 

from east to west.

1897. January 17; Alameda; Ih. llm. p. m.

A complicated record was made by the duplex seismograph, the disturbance being principally east and west. The magnified record 

is 6 mm. long in this direction and 2 mm. north and south. Reported 

by P. Perrine.
PERRINE.] CHRONOLOGICAL RECORD, 1897. 27 

1897. January 17; Oakland; Ih. llm. lls. p. m., P. s. t.

Two sharp shocks were observed about one second apart. The time 

given is for the second shock and is believed to be correct within 

a second. The first shock seemed heavier than the second, and 

both suggested an explosion rather than an earthquake. An 

examination of the country in the direction of the powder mills 

was made immediately from the housetop, with a glass, but no evidences of an explosion were visible.

A heavy rumbling was noticed just preceding the shocks, and the 

house creaked. The windows on the north side of the house 

seemed to rattle beforehand louder than those on. the opposite side. 

The chandelier shook, and as it came to rest the vibrations appeared 

to be north and south approximately. Reported by A. H. Babcock.

1897. January 17; Oakland; Ih. 10m. 55s.-j-2s. p. m., P. B. t.

The shock was accompanied by a distinct report. Reported by 

G. R. Lukeiis,

1897. January 17; Mills College; Ih. llm, p. m., P. a. t.

The shock was short, but quite sharp and distinct. Some say they 

heard a distinct noise before the shake. Reported by JosiahKeep.

The blue print of the record made by a duplex seismograph, which 

accompanied the above report, shows an area of 7 mm. north and 

south and 4 ram. east and west, containing a great number of individual vibrations impossible to unravel. There are also one double 

wave and one or two single ones extending to the west (?) of the 

main disturbances. 0. D. P. 

1897. January 26; Newport, Alsa Bay, Oregon; 2h. 45 m. p. m.

NEWPORT, OREGON, January 27. This section was visited by an 

earthquake shock yesterday at 2.45 p. m. The shock was about 

three seconds in duration. Houses were shaken until dishes on 

the shelves rattled. The vibration appeared to come from a northerly direction, and was accompanied by a slight rumbling noise 

like thunder. Reports from Alsa Bay state that the shock was 

felt plainly there about the same time. San Francisco Chronicle. 

1897. February 2; Tomales.

SAN RAFAEL, February 2. The town of Toraales, situated on Tomales 

Bay, Mariu County, is greatly excited over two sharp explosions 

that were heard shortly before 11 o'clock this morning. The 

reports, which seemed to come from the direction of the ocean, 

were followed by a vibration of the earth's surface similar to that 

felt during earthquakes. The shaking sensation, though slight, 

was distinctly felt in Tomales and the adjoining country. Among 

those who felt the shock are John Arthur and M. O'Neal, dairymen, and D. Thrasher, a blacksmith. It was at first supposed that 

the explosions were the .reports of a gun aboard some ship in distress, but that theory was soon dismissed when it was learned that 

many of the citizens distinctly felt the earth tremble immediately
28 EARTHQUAKES IN CALIFORNIA IN 189(3 AND 1897. [BULL. 155.

1897. February 2 ; Tomales Continued.

after the reports. Edward Collius and Mrs. Keyes claim to have 

seen a meteor burst in a field near Tomales, but a thorough search 

failed to reveal any trace of a heavenly visitor. The citizens have 

come to the conclusion that Tomales was visited by a slight earthquake, but they are unable to explain the cause of the explosions. 

San Francisco Examiner, February 3.

1897.- February 5 ; Orizaba Volcano, Mexico.

CITY OF MEXICO, February 6. Orizaba Volcano last night was some 

what active, throwing a red light against the sky and emitting 

large volumes of smoke. The inhabitants are alarmed, and fear 

that an earthquake will occur. San Francisco Examiner, February 7. 

1897. February 13; Colima, Tepic, Mexico.

COLIMA, MEXICO, February 18. The people of this vicinity were 

treated to a shaking up last Saturday which for a time set almost 

the entire population to praying. An earthcuake, which lasted 

ten seconds, was followed at intervals of two or three minutes by 

others of shorter duration for more than an hour. The cathedral 

tower perceptibly rocked, and it seemed for a time as if a disaster 

was certain. The streets were filled with people on their knees, 

while the priests did their utmost to console and pacify them.

The shocks were very distinct, and seemed to run from nortli to 

south. During the past three months there have been but six days 

when shocks have not been felt, and recently they have been 

increasing in intensity.

TEPIC, MEXICO, February 18. The seismic disturbances which have 

been felt for the last three months along the coast have been much 

more pronounced during the past week,«aud on Saturday the old 

volcano of Ceboruco began an active eruption. This was one of 

the smaller volcanoes, and has never, iii the memory of man, done

much damage. The fires have never died out, and there have 

always been smoke and noxious gases arising from the crater, and 

numerous blowholes.

The first indication of renewed activity came Saturday at 2 o'clock 

in the afternoon, when a sharp earthquake shock startled the people of Tepic. Almost immediately afterward clouds of smoke aud 

ashes spouted from the crater and continued during the rest of 

the day. Saturday night the display was very beautiful from the 

reflection of internal fires, but by Sunday night the disturbance 

had again died down, and only a thin cloud of bluish-gray smoke 

ascended from the crater. San Francisco Chronicle. 

1897. February 18 ; Mount Hamilton.

8h. 3m. 40s. ± p. in., P. s. t. K.-F. I. -8h. 4m. 30s. ± p. m., P. s. t. 

E. F. if. E. S. Holden. .

Sh. 3m. 52s. ± 5s. p. m., P. s. t. K.-F. I. Heard a blast of wind 

' immediately after which might have caused it 1 C. D. P.
PERHINB.] CHRONOLOGICAL RECORD, 1897. 29

1897. February ; Cacaluta, Mexico.

GUADALAJARA, MEXICO, February 28. James Watson, an American who is interested in mining property near the coast of Colima, 

arrived from Cacaluta this.morning, having left there just after the 

recent volcanic and seismic disturbance. He says that the shock 

was very marked at Cacaluta and along the shore, which is faced 

by an immense cliff of black rocks known as Eoca Fegro. Off this 

cliff the ocean is very deep, and it has been customary for vessels 

to'skirt close to the shore. Immediately after the disturbance it 

was discovered that the water had shoaled to such an extent that 

boats were compelled to keep almost a mile offshore, and in many 

places, at low tide, rocks projected above the water. As the water 

. had been from 15 to 20 fathoms deep 100 yards from the Eoca 

IsTegro, it is thought that the bottom of the ocean for miles along 

here has been elevated. San Francisco Chronicle.

1897. February ; Great Salt Lake, Utah.

SALT LAKE, UTAH, March 1. What appears to be a genuine volcano 

has burst forth in the Great Salt Lake, a short distance south of 

Promontory Station, on the Central Pacific Eailway. The phenora* 

enon recently appeared in the shape of a small cloud hovering over 

the water about a mile and a quarter from the shore. It gradually 

increased in dimensions and shot up so high in the air that it is 

now visible for a great distance, and the water in the immediate 

vicinity boils and seethes and the spray is thrown high in the air 

for hundreds of feet. The volcano is situated in the big arm of the 

lake on the west side of a long range of mountains, and is distinctly 

visible from Brig-ham City. The phenomenon is accounted for by 

the fact that for the last six months there have been felt several 

slight shocks of earthquake in these regions.

A number of people have witnessed the phenomenon, which has 

caused considerable alarm in the vicinity. San Francisco Bulletin.

This has not been verified. C. D. P.

1897. March 6; Acapulco, Vera Cruz, Oaxaca, Orizaba, Cordoba (Mexico): 

7h. 30m. p. m.

CITY OF MEXICO, March 7. The Government Meteorological Bureau 

has advices that the earthquakes which were felt yesterday were 

also felt in Acapulco, Vera Cruz, Oaxaca, Orizaba, and Cordoba 

at 7.30 o'clock in the evening. The weather is unusually warm, 

which is< believed to be a sign of more shocks. San Francisco 

Chronicle. 

1897. March 13 ; Mount Baker, Washington.

The San Francisco Chronicle of March 16 contains a dispatch from 

Tacoma to the effect that Deputy United States Marshal Emory 

McGinnis saw what he took to be smoke issuing from the crest of 

Mount Baker on Saturday, March 13. Using a glass, his belief 

was strengthened.
30 EARTHQUAKES IN CALIFORNIA IN 1896 AND 1897. [BULL. 155. 

1897. March 13; Mount Baker, Washington Continued.

NOTE. It has been rumored before that smoke was issuing from 

this mountain, but the facts were that clouds and dry snow carried 

about by the winds were the cause of the appearances ascribed to 

volcanic action. C. D. P.

1897. March 15 ; Ukiah; llh. p.m.

UKIAH, March 16. A severe shock of earthquake was felt iu this 

city at 11 o'clock last night. The vibrations were from north to 

south and lasted about ten seconds. San Francisco Chronicle.

1897. March 15 ; Highland Springs, Pinta, Lakeport; lOh. 51m. p. m. 

On Monday (March 15) at 10.51 p. m. a heavy shock of earthquake, 

lasting fully ten seconds. It Avas the most severe I have felt in 

twenty-two years in California. Others say there was one about 

twenty minutes earlier, but I did not feel it.

It was strong enough to throw a bottle oft' a shelf in Mr. Joseph 

Craig's house. I instantly noticed the time by my watch, which is 

with the railroad time of the San Francisco and North Pacific 

Railway. It was also severe at Pmta and Lakeport. The railroad 

time, I understand, is furnished by the observatory. Reported by 

William B. Collier, under date of March 17.

1897. April 10; Mexico.

OAXACO, MEXICO, April 10. The country south of here is experiencing another series of severe earthquakes. In the mountainous districts considerable damage has been done. There are no 

volcanic eruptions indicated. San Jose Mercury, April 11.

1897. May 14 ; Moro Bay.

SAN Luis OBISPO, May 19. About 7,30 o'clock this evening residents of the country adjacent to Moro Bay were startled by a 

report, which began like the low rumble of. thunder and ended with 

a somewhat louder blast. About a week ago a similar report was 

heard, and a mud geyser appeared in the small arm of Moro Bay, 

just opposite the town site of El Moro. This geyser has formed a 

small island, which for a week past has been the wonder of the 

people.of the county, and has been visited by a great many.

Following the report this evening, a second geyser sprung into 

existence about 200 yards distant from the first and a little farther 

inland. This last geyser is an exact counterpart of the one formed 

last Friday night. Like the eruption of last Friday night, the 

surface of the second island bears evidence of having a1 small-sized 

crater, from which large quantities of the blackest mud are slowly 

arising.

The body 01 water in which these eruptions occurred is a small, 

narrow arm of Moro Bay, extending inland about a mile. It 

branches off from the main portion of the bay at the head of Moro 

Kock. The arm is not over a quarter of a mile in width, at any 

point, and is almost uniform in width from its mouth to its end. 

The eruptions occurred within a short distance of the extreme
PEHHIMB.] CHRONOLOGICAL RECORD, 1897. 31 

1897. May 14; Moro Bay Continued.

end of the arm. The long stretch of land which forms the bar 

dividing the arm from the bay is only a few hundred yards in width 

and is supposed to be a long "rib" extending out from the granite 

formation of Moro Bock.

The island formed by the geyser to-night does not extend as far 

above the surface of the water as the one formed last Friday night 

by several feet, but is much broader, and the report was considerably louder. San Francisco Chronicle, May 20.

1897. May 14 ; Reno, Nevada.

EENO, NEV., May 14. Quite a severe shock of earthquake was felt 

here this evening about 6 o'clock, lasting several seconds. The 

vibration was from north to south. San Francisco Chronicle. 

1897. May 15 ; San Diego.

SAN DIEGO, CAL., May 15. A slight earthquake shock was felt here

at 4 o'clock this morning. Sau Francisco Call. 

1897. May IS ; Carson, Nevada; llh. 4m. a. m.

CARSON, NEV., May 15. A severe earthquake shock was experienced 

this morning at 11.04, lasting two seconds. The seismograph 

registered the vibration from northeast to southwest. Plaster was 

broken in many buildings. The weather is sultry. Sau Francisco 

Chronicle. 

1897. May 22; San Diego; 6h. 58m. a. m.

SAN DIEGO, May 22. There was a sharp shock of earthquake at

. 0.58 o'clock this morning, lasting two seconds. San Jose Mercury,

May 23. 

1897. June 20; Mount Hamilton; 12h. 13m. p. m.

It was not more severe than B.-F. V at Mount Hamilton. The duration was twenty seconds in the third story of the brick dwelling. 

The shock of January 2,1891, was B.-F. VII at Mount Hamilton. 

E. S. Holden.

12h. 12m. 55s. to 13m. 5s.; direction northeast and southwest ; " heavy," 

"rocked pictures on Avail5" "very perceptible." W. W. Campbell.

A heavy earthquake shock was felt to-day at 12h. 12in. 5Gs. (noon). 

The shock lasted fully twenty seconds, and the direction of motion 

seemed to be nearly east and west. E. G. Aifeben. 

12h. 12m. 56s. H. D. Curtis.

12h. 13m. (second not noted). J. Macdonald.

Both the Ewing and duplex seismographs recorded the shock.

The record of the duplex instrument is not complete, the pen coming 

in contact with some obstruction in its excursions to the west. The 

record is 16 mm. in length in a north and south direction, and 9 

mm. east and west. The Ewing instrument was started and gave 

a complete record of the shock. The duration indicated by this 

instrument, in all three components, is slightly over thirty seconds. 

The vibrations of the pens continue for a much longer time, but 

after this are due probably to residual motion of the pendulums.
32 EARTHQUAKES IN CALIFORNIA IN 1896 AND 1897. [BULL. 155, 

1897. June 20; Mount Hamilton Continued.

The waves are generally of considerable amplitude and slow, the 

greatest motion being east and west. The heaviest wave seems to 

have occurred one second after the commencement of the shock, 

the amplitude (magnified) being 16.3 mm., or an earth motion of 

4.1 mm., east and west. There is also a north-and-south component 

of this wave of 6.3 mm. (magnified), corresponding to an earth 

movement of 1.5 mm. Hence the greatest double amplitude of 

this wave is 4.4 mm., with a period of 1.5 seconds, which gives an 

intensity of 39 mm. per one second, or II on the Eossi-Forel scale. 

The next move recorded by the east and west pen is probably the 

one of greatest intensity, although of small magnitude,

a = 0.25 mm. > 

T = 0.37s. 

from which I = 74 or E. F. IV.

The greatest vertical disturbance occurred toward the middle of the 

shock, when the record shows four waves of 4 mm. double amplitude (magnified), with an average period of about two seconds. 

For the first four seconds of the shock there were but slight irregular vibrations.

The whole shock exhibits marked irregularities; none of the waves 

are smooth, but all have lesser vibrations superposed upon the 

larger.

On June 27 the finding clocks in the Large Dome and Meridian Circle 

House were found stopped at 6h. 2m. Mount Hamilton sidereal 

time, and wound up. They had been wound at noon on the day of 

the earthquake, and the time at which they stopped agrees within 

their probable limits of error of the sidereal time of the shock. 

The pendulum of the clock in the Large Dome swings east and

west and that in the Meridian Circle House north and south,

1897. June 2O; College Park.

The seismograph at the University of the Pacific registered the shock. 

The tracing is very complicated and is three times the size of the 

tracing by a similar instrument at the Lick Observatory. The axis 

of greatest disturbance was northwest and southeast, the record 

measuring 50 mm. in this direction. At right angles to this the 

ecord measures 28 mm. Allowing for a magnification of 4.0 

diameters, this makes the greatest actual motion of the earth about 

12 mm. 

1897. June 20; Mills College; 12h. 13m. p. m.

The shock was quite severe, set chairs to rocking, etc., but did no 

serious damage. It seemed to be double, the latter part being the 

heavier. Eeported by Josiah Keep.

The print of the tracing accompanying the report shows a compact 

mass of vibrations, covering an area some 8 ram. in diameter, from 

which there extends on all sides several larger excursions of the
PERIUNE.] CHRONOLOGICAL RECORD, 1897. 33 

1897. June 20; Mills College Con tinned.

pen and ou the northeast, southeast, and southwest one or two 

double excursions of the pen to considerable distances. The total 

length of the record northeast and southwest is 30 mm., and at 

right angles to this 18 mm.

1897. June 20 ; Cantau Creek, Fresno County; 12h. 13m. p. m. 

On Sunday, June 20, at 12.13 p. m., I felt a slight shock of earthquake; 

location NW. | section 32, township 17 S., range 14 E., M., B. & M., 

on Cantua Creek. Fresuo County. Duration about fifteen seconds5 

ninth shock; undulation and whirling motion. S. C. Lillis.

1897. June 20 ; San Joss, 12h. 13m. p. m.. P. s. t.

So far as reported, only one building was injured. The plastering on 

the walls of the South Methodist Church, northeast corner of Second 

and San Fernando streets, was cracked. A number of clocks were 

stopped. San Jose Mercury, June 21. ' 

1897. June 20; San Jose.

SAN JOSE, June 20. San Jose was visited to-day by the longest continued earthquake on record, and afc the same time one of much 

severity. It was just a little past the noon hour when the earth 

began to tremble, and there was a violent movement from east to 

west. At some of the churches services were still in session and 

the quake was so severe that there was a stop to the proceedings. 

Some persons left, but there was no panic.

The shake was so pronounced and continued so long it was noticed 

even by those walking on the street. Occupants of the lodging 

houses in the center of town came trooping out, in many instances 

in a state of great alarm. There have been rumors afloat this 

afternoon of damage to walls and plate glass, but they seem to be 

only of imagination.

Almost every clock in town, was stopped, and there was a decided 

feeling of alarm while the tremor continued. Dishes were rattled, 

mirrors shaken, and rockers moved. San Francisco Chronicle, 

June 21.

1897. June 20; Gilroy; 12h. 15m. p. m.

GiLROY, June 20. The most severe earthquake ever experienced in 

Gilroy occurred here to-day at 12.15 p. in. The oscillation was 

from northwest to southeast and it lasted for several seconds. 

People rushed from, the churches and houses into the street and 

were terror-stricken for several minutes. Much damage was domi 

to brick buildings, and chimneys all over town were cracked or 

demolished and plastering fell to the floor. The Southern Pacific 

Hotel had all the front windows shattered. Nearly every clock in 

town stopped at exactly the hour of the disturbance.

A report comes from Sargents Station, 6 miles from Gilroy, of the 

demolition of an adobe building, and also from San Juan much 

damage is reported. 

Bull. 155 3
34 EARTHQUAKES IN CALIFORNIA IN 1896 AND 1897. [BULL. 155. 

1897. June 20; Gilroy Continued.

A rain storm followed the earthquake. Several lighter shocks have 

been felt during the afternoon, and people are afraid to remain 

indoors. San Jose Mercury, June 21.

GILROY, June 20. The heaviest earthquake shock ever felt here took 

place at 12.11 p. in. to-day, lasting only a few seconds, but doing a 

great deal of damage. San Francisco Chronicle, June 21.

1897. June 20; Hollister; 12h. 15m. p. in.

HOLLISTER, June 20. At 12.15 p. in. to-day one of the severest earthquakes ever felt since 1868 took place. The vibrations lasted about 

fifteen seconds and seemed to be from north to south. Several 

thousand dollars worth of damage was done to buildings, fixtures, 

and goods. No casualties occurred, though several narrow escapes 

are recorded.

There .is scarcely a brick building in the town that has not suffered, 

and it is reported that the <-ourt-house has been badly damaged in 

the way of cracked walls and plastering. The top of the north fire 

wall of the McMahon House fell upon adjoining buildings. Much 

window glass was broken and cracked. In several instances entire 

window sashes were thrown into the street from the second story 

of buildings. ;San Francisco Chronicle, June 21. 

1897. June 20; Salinas; 12h. 13m. p. in.

SAUNAS, June 20. Saliuas was visited by the heaviest shock of 

earthquake experienced in its history to-day. The shock was felt 

about 12.13 p. in., the vibrations being from east to west and lasting probably fifteen seconds. The people were panic-stricken and 

rushed into the streets. Chimneys tumbled down and the plate 

glass in many business blocks was cracked. In many buildings in 

course of construction the fire walls toppled in and the walls were 

rent. San Jose Mercury, June 21.

SALINAS, June 20. The severest earthquake shock ever experienced 

in this section was at 12.75 p. in. to-day. The motion was from 

west to east and lasted nearly thirty seconds. A number of brick 

buildings were cracked, plate-glass windows smashed, and chimneys toppled over. The atmosphere has been very close all day, 

but has now become cooler and the clouds are dispersing. San 

Francisco Chronicle, June 21. 

1897. June 20; Los Gatos; 12h. 15rn. p. m.

Los GATOS, June 21. The earthquake yesterday at 12.15 was the 

heaviest shock experienced in the place for many years. The oscillation was from north to south and lasted ten seconds. None of 

the buildings were injured, but the people on Glen Ridge ran into 

the streets, being afraid to remain indoors. Nearly every clock on 

Glen Eidge was stopped at exactly the hour of the disturbance. 

San Jose Mercury, June 22.
PBHBINE.J CHRONOLOGICAL RECORD. 1897. 35

1897. June 20; Santa Cruz.

SANTA CRUZ, June 20. The earthquake shock shortly after noon 

to-day was distinctly felt in all parts of the city. Plastering was 

knocked from the walls in many buildings, arid the terror-stricken 

people rushed out into the streets, fearing that the structures 

would fall upon and crush them. The vibration appeared to be from 

east to west Only cases of minor damage have been reported. 

San Jose Mercury, June 21.

SANTA CRUZ, June 20. The heaviest earthquake shock in years 

was felt here at 12.20 to-day. A slighter shock occurred an hour 

later. The vibrations were from east to west. No damage 

resulted. San Francisco Chronicle, June 21.

SANTA CRUZ, June 20. Two heavy earthquakes were felt here this 

noon. The first shock was unusually heavy and long and passed 

from north to south, at 12.03 p. m. It gave the people great fright 

but 110 damage resulted. The second shock was not so noticeable and occurred shortly afterwards. San Francisco Examiner, 

June 21.

1897. June 20; Templeton; 12.15p.m.

TEMPLETON, June 20. There was a lively earthquake to-day at 12.15 

p. m. The shock lasted ten seconds, but no damage resulted. 

San Francisco Chronicle, June 21.

1897. June 20; Monterey.

MONTEREY, June 20. A heavy earthquake shock was felt at noon 

to-day. It caused a panic in the congregation of the San Carlos 

Mission Church. A portion of the adobe wall was thrown down 

among the frightened worshipers and several fainted. Other 

damage resulted to historic adobe buildings. Miany people were 

completely terrified. At Del Monte three distinct shocks were 

felt, preceded by a rumbling noise. The hotel creaked and swayed 

and guests rushed from their rooms. Pictures and glassware were 

thrown down. San Francisco Chronicle, June 21.

1897. June 20; Pacific Grove; 12.15 p. m.

PACIFIC GROVE, June 20. A decided earthquake shock was felt 

here at 12.15 p. m. The shock continued several minutes, preceded 

by a deep rumbling noise. A panic was threatened among the congregation of the Methodist Church, but was averted by the minister's presence of mind. Persons in all parts of town were terrified. 

San Francisco Chronicle, June 2i. 

1897. June 20; Stockton; 12.14 p. m.

STOCKTON, June 20. A sharp shock^of earthquake was felt here at 

12.14 o'clock to-day, which seemed to be from northeast to southwest 

in movement. It was felt in all parts of the city, and caused people 

to exchange notes of the disturbance over the telephone system. 

Some declare they heard a rumbling sound just before the vibration. San Francisco Chronicle, June 21.
36 EARTHQUAKES IN CALIFORNIA IN 1896 AND 1897. [iiuu..i55.

1897. June 20; Modesto, Newman.

MODESTO, June 20. A sharp shock of earthquake was felt here 

shortly after noon to-day. Many people in the upper stories of 

brick buildings ran into the streets in alarm. At Newman, in this 

county, a brick building of one story was cracked slightly. San 

Francisco Chronicle, June 21.

1897. June 20; Merced; 12.13 p. m.

MERCED, June 20, An earthquake shock from southeast to northwest visited Merced at 12.13 o'clock this afternoon, which shook 

things up for a few seconds. There were two shocks, three or 

four seconds apart, the last one being the most distinct. It was 

the worst shock ever experienced at this place, and several people 

were so frightened that they ran out of their houses. A few clocks 

were stopped. San Francisco Chronicle, June 21. ,

1897. June 20; Visalia; 12.10 p. m.

VISALIA, June 20. Two severe earthquake shocks were felt here 

to-day at 12.10 o'clock. The vibrations were from west to east. 

Suspended, lamps vibrated for fifteen seconds, houses were shaken, 

and some people ran out doors; The shock was the most severe 

felt here in years. San Francisco Chronicle, June 21.

1897. June 20 ; Milton; 12.15 p. m.

MILTON, June 20. A distinct shock of earthquake was experienced 

at this place at 12.15 o'clock to-day. The vibrations were, from 

south to north. San Francisco Chronicle, June 21. 

1897. June 20 ; Santa Rosa.

SANTA EOSA, June 20. Shortly after noon to-day quite a sharp 

earthquake was felt here, but no damage was done. People were 

much frightened by the rattling of doors and windows. San Frail 

cisco Chronicle, June 21.

SANTA EOSA, June 20. A slight shock of earthquake Avas felt here

to-day about noon. The oscillations were from east to west aud 

were very light. San Jose Mercury, June 21.

1897. June 20; Hay wards; 12h. 15m. p. m.

HAYWAKDS, June20. Twowell-definedshocksofearthquakeoccurred 

here to-day at 12.15 p. in. The vibrations were from southwest to 

northeast; duration, about three seconds; no damage. San Francisco Chronicle, June 21. .

1897. June 20; Decoto: 12.13,12.55p.m.

DECOTO, June 20. Two heavy shocks of earthquake were felt in this 

section at 12.13 to-day. The vibrations seemed to be from the north 

to the south. One or two old barns in the neighborhood fell to the 

ground. There was another shock at 12.55 p. m., lighter than the 

first two. San Francisco Chronicle, June 21. 

1897. June 20; Sacramento; 12.12 p. m.

SAORAMENTO, June 20. At 12.12 o'clock this noon a very light shock 

of earthquake was felt in this city. It was from north to south 

and sufficiently strong to cause some clocks to stop. San Francisco 

Chronicle, June 21.
CHRONOLOGICAL RECORD, 1897. 37

1897. June 20; Watsonville.

WATSONVILLE, June 20. The earthquake shock shortly after noon 

to-day did some damage to buildings in Watsonville and badly 

frightened the people of the town. The walls of Peck's Block, 

in which the Pajaro Valley Bank is located, were so badly cracked 

that they will probably have to be rebuilt. Windows in all parts 

of the city rattled during the shock and many panes of glass were 

broken. . The earthquake lasted about ten seconds. San Jose 

Mercury, June 21.

WATSONVILLE, June 20. The heaviest earthquake that has visited 

this place since 1881 was felt to-day. The vibrations were from 

east to west. Clocks were stopped and a couple of chimneys toppled over, but no great damage was done. San Francisco Exarn- 

* iner, June 21. 

1897. June 20; Hanford.

HANFOKD, June 20. An earthquake shock was felt here about 11.15 

[12.15?] this morning. The direction was from north west to southeast. No damage was done. San Jose Mercury, June 21.

1897. June 20; Not felt at Bakersfield.

BAKERSFIELD, June 20. Nothing whatever was felt of tho earthquake which is reported to have been experienced in other parts of 

the State this afternoon. San Jose Mercury, June 21. 

1897. June 20; San Francisco; 12h. 14m. -j-p. m.

One of the most severe earthquakes that has served to disturb the 

coast of late years visited San Francisco a few minutes after 12 

o'clock yesterday afternoon. There were two distinct shocks, the 

second following close in the wake of the first, and both lasting for 

a period that is variously stated at from ten to thirty seconds. The 

earthquake was particularly noticeable at the city hall. The "temblor" caused all the clocks in the city hall to stop. One of them 

was left standing for the purpose of recording the exact time at 

which the convulsion shook the building. The standing clock in 

the chief's office says the earthquake passed that part of the city 

at exactly 12.13 o'clock.

As to the exact minute that the earthquake struck the city there is 

some dispute. Many clocks that were stopped by the shock record 

the event as happening at 12.14 p. m. and others a minute earlier. 

At the harbor police station the clock stopped at exactly 12.13.

In many of the churches the big quake created a panicky feeling and 

interrupted the morning services.

The big shock at 12.14 o'clock yesterday afternoon was not the 6rily 

shock during the day. It was followed by another and almost 

imperceptible tremor a minute before 1 o'clock, and Frank W. 

Edmonds, of the United States Coast and G/eodetic Survey, declares 

that there was a slight shock at 6.37 o'clock yesterday morning. 

Sun Francisco Chronicle, June 21.
38 EARTHQUAKES IN CALIFORNIA IN 1896 AND 1897. [nm.i,ir,5. 

1897. June 20; San Francisco Continued.

SAN FRANCISCO, June 20. A severe earthquake shock shortly after 

noon to-day caused a mild scare in many of the churches and big 

buildings throughout the city. There were two distinct shocks 

less than an hour apart, one about 12.15 and the other a few 

minutes past 1 p. m.

At the weather bureau, on the tenth floor, two clocks were stopped, 

one keeping local time, at 12.14, and the other running on Washington time at 3.14. As there is no seismograph or seismoscope in 

the building, or in fact in the city, no accurate record of the local 

course of the earthquake was obtainable.

A piece of mortar and stone, weighing 10 or 15 pounds, fell from a corner of the second story of the Schilling Building, on Market street, 

and struck the sidewalk less than 4 feet from where Tom Williams, 

of the Examiner, was standing, giving him quite a scare. San Jose 

Mercury, June 21.

Frank Edmonds, of the United States Coast and Geodetic Survey, 

said there was a slight shock at 6.37 a. m., followed by a similar 

vibration about 12.15 p. m., immediately after which two distinct 

and very severe shocks were felt. A fifth trembling of the earth 

brought the temblor's programme to a close at 12.48 p. m. San 

Francisco Examiner, June 21. 

1897. June 20; Oakland; 12h. 13m. p. m.

A prolonged shock of earthquake was observed here to-day, commencing at 12h. 13m. 9s. p. m., P. s. t., and continuing for at least 

twenty-h've seconds. It was noticed first as a sharp settling of the 

floor; then came .a rumbling sound, followed by a slow, swaying 

motion, which gradually increased in strength and frequency for . 

about ten seconds, when the maximum was reached. At this time 

the vibrations were decidedly marked: the house creaked, the 

windows rattled, and the pictures bumped against the walls. The 

swing of the chandeliers was in an approximately north and south 

line. The vibration gradually diminished, until 12h. l.'iin. 34s., 

when they could no longer be observed. In a jeweler's shop, about 

two blocks away, a pendulum clock, which was fastened on a wall 

running in an east and west direction, had stopped at 12h. 13m. 

27s. This clock is usually kept very close to standard time.

The intensity of the shock at its maximum may be estimated at IV, 

or possibly V, on the Rossi-Forel scale. Two persons report a 

very faint shock about fifteen minutes later, but it was not 

observed by me. Reported by A. H. Babcock.

1897. June 20; Oakland; 12h. 13m. 35s. p. m.

OAKLAND, June 20. The big clocks of the city were stopped at 

thirteen minutes after the hour of noon to-day by as violent au 

earthquake as ever visited Oakland. There was no forewarning, 

and the first anyone knew of the visitation was an undulating
PERRINE.] CHRONOLOGICAL RECORD, 1897. 39. 

1897. June 20 ; Oakland Continued.

motion that swayed tall buildings and played havoc with things 

of smaller size. The shock probably lasted seven seconds, although 

it seemed much longer. It was followed by another decided tremor, 

which, however, was no circumstance to the first. The excitement 

for a time was great. People ran out of their houses and into the 

middle of the streets. In all the big churches of the city the congregations were attentively listening to sermons, arid the shock 

abruptly ended several of these services. As far as can be learned 

there were no windows broken or other actual damage done, 

although many are complaining that valuable china and glass 

ware was knocked off of tables and shelves and ruined. 

The seismograph at the Chabot Observatory shows that there were 

three distinct tremors. The direction of the first was from northwest to southeast, while the others were from northeast to southwest. The successive tremors lasted a fraction over eight seconds, 

and the time recorded at the observatory is 12h. 13m. 35s. The 

quake was distinctly felt in Berkeley, Alaineda, and other towns in 

the vicinity. San Francisco Chronicle, June 21.

1897. June 20; Qonzales.

GONZALES, June 20. The heaviest earthquake ever felt in this 

locality occurred here to-day. The vibrations were from north to 

south, and lasted for a full quarter of a minute. Clocks were 

stopped, horses frightened, and a few window panes were broken. 

For several hours after the quake the water in the Salinas River 

was quite muddy, an unusual thing at this time of the year. San 

Francisco Examiner, June 21.

1897. June 20; Presno.

FRESNO, June 20. A sharp shock of earthquake passed through 

this county to-day. The duration is variously estimated at three 

to ten seconds. In this city the effects were principally felt in the 

two and three story brick buildings, some of which were shaken in 

 a manner to cause their occupants to rush out into the street. The 

Hughes Block and the Temple Bar Building were among the 

structures shaken. No damage is reported, but a general feeling 

of alarm prevailed. At the residence of T. C. White a vase was 

thrown to the ground and broken. San Francisco Examiner, 

June 21. 

1897. June 20; Redwood City.

REDWOOD CITY, June 20. This city was shaken by the earthquake. 

The shock rang the bell in the dome of the new high-school building and cracked the plaster in a few of the old pioneer buildings. 

San Francisco Examiner, June 21. 

1897. June 20; San Rafael, 12.14, 12.56 p. m.

SAN RAFAEL, June 20. Two slight earthquake shocks were felt in 

this city at noon to-day. The first shock, which was a trifle more
40 EARTHQUAKES IN CALIFORNIA IN 1896 AND 1897. [BUIA. 155. 

1897. June 20; San Rafael Continued.

severe than the .second, was felt about 12.14 noon. The second, 

which was barely perceptible, was at 12.56. The shocks were felt 

at Sausalito, Mill Valley, and other Marin. County towns. San 

Francisco Examiner, June 21. 

1897. June 20; Oaxaca, Mexico.

OAXACA, MEXICO, June.20. Continued earthquake shocks and. heavy 

rains have seriously interrupted telegraphic communications with 

the Isthmus of Tehuantepee during the past three days.

Advices were received here, to day that the official commissioners 

sent to the city of Tehuautepec by President Diaz to investigate 

the reported formation of a volcano and the extent of damages 

have arrived at their destination, and found the condition of affairs 

much worse than they had expected. The town of Tehuantepec 

contained about 7,000 inhabitants, and is completely destroyed as 

far as houses and buildings are concerned, not one remaining 

standing. There were a number of substantial and costly buildings in the town. The people are living in tents and in the open 

air on the outskirts of the place. Earthquake shocks continue to 

be felt at frequent intervals, and people are terrified. Heavy 

smoke and other indications of an active volcano to the west of 

Tehuautepec are no longer visible. .San Francisco Chronicle, 

June 2.

,1897. June 21; Gilroy; 5h. 15m. a. m.

G-ILROY, June 21. There was another slight shock of earthquake

felt here at 5.15 a. m. to-.day. San Jose Mercury, June 22. 

1897. June 21; Salinas.

SALINAS, June 21. A slight shock of earthquake was reported here 

just after midnight, but there was no damage done. By yesterday's shock the walls of the court room in the court-house and of 

the county jail were spread nearly an incli. The old Salinas hotel, 

adjoining the new building, has several wide fissures extending its 

entire length. The rear of the armory, occupied by Troop C, is 

badly cracked and the plastering is well shaken off. San Francisco 

Examiner, June 22.

1897. June 24; Santa Barbara; 6h. 10m. a. m.

SANTA BARBARA, June 24. A slight earthquake shock was felt here 

at 6.10 o'clock. The shock was strong enough to rattle the doors 

and windows. San Jose Mercury, June 25.

SANTA BARBARA, June 24. The citizen of this place were aroused 

from their slumbers this morning by a slight earthquake. It lasted 

about three seconds, and caused windows and doors to rattle. San 

Francisco Chronicle, June 25.

1897. June 26; Mexico.

OAXACA, MEXICO, June 26. Severe earthquake shocks have continued at intervals of a few hours during the past three days at
CHRONOLOGICAL RECORD, 1897. 41 

1897. June 26; Mexico Continued.

Tehaun tepee, and as far east as San Cristobal. No further damage 

is reported, but the inhabitants are in a state of terror. The Indians of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec are fleeing into the valleys. 

San Jose Mercury, June 27. 

1897. June ; Sawmill Peak, Butte County.

CHICO, June 30. Interest in the results of the remarkable earthquake which swept away a large portion of Sawmill Peak continues. The excitement along the ridge has received fresh impetus 

from facts developed by recent investigations. It was a formidable 

undertaking to determine the extent of the landslide, as the peak 

on the side rent by the earthquake was almost inaccessible. It 

rises nearly perpendicularly from the west branch. The shifting 

lava beds, toppling rocks, and loosened trees render exploration 

hazardous, but a party of mining men, led by Floyd Taber, of Oroville, have been at the scene and made an examination of the

ground. The party found a newly made chasm on the south side 

of the mountain, 60 feet deep and 300 feet square. The mountain 

is of volcanic formation. It is conjectured that Sunday's rumblings 

were but the forerunner of volcanic disturbances which may occur 

at any moment.

The descent into the chasm,!owing to the insecure lava masses, the 

steep incline from the summit, and the danger from loose rocks, 

could not be accomplished by the exploring party. A. J. Lawrence, 

one of the explorers was not to be turned back, however. He fastened a rope around his waist and was lowered by his companions 

into the hole. There he found great masses of lava and rocks. 

San Francisco Examiner, July 1.

This report has not been verified. C. B. P.

1897. June ; Douglas Island, Alaska.

TACOMA, WASH., July 4. Alaska papers of June 26 received to-day 

state that the volcano on Douglas Island, opposite Juneau, is in a 

state of eruption. The event caused considerable excitement, and 

the entire town of Juneau was watching with interest the immense 

clouds emitted from the crater. This volcano has no name, but is 

one of the highest peaks on Douglas Island and is situated a little 

north of the Treadwell mines. San Francisco Chronicle. 

1897. July 19 ; Santa Barbara; llh. 45rn. p. m.

SANTA BARBARA, July 20. This city experienced two strong shocks 

of earthquake last night about 11.45 o'clock. The first shock 

lasted about four seconds and was undulating in character. The 

second was much stronger, but of shorter duration. The oscillations caused the old town clock bell to strike. No damage was 

done. San Francisco Chronicle.

SANTA BARBARA, July 20. Two ^hocks of earthquake were felt 

here last night about midnight. There was an interval of twelve 

minutes between the first and second shock. The first was wavy
42 EARTHQUAKES IN CALIFORNIA IN 1896 AND 1897. [BOLL. 155. 

1897. July 19; Santa Barbara Continued.

in character, while the second had an up-and-down motion. Both 

shocks appeared to have had a southwesterly direction. No damage was done. Those who have lived here for many years state 

that it was the strongest earthquake they ever experienced in 

Santa Barbara. San Francisco Call.

1897. July 26 ; Mount Hamilton, 5h. 40m. 50s. p. m., P. s. t.

B. F. III. E. S. Holden.

The duplex seismograph shows a small mark, which, however, 

resembles " creeping" of the pen more than an earthquake.

1897. July 26; San Francisco; 5h. 40m. 35s. p. m., P. s. t.

At 530 California street, on Monday at 5h. 40m. 35s. P. s. t., we felt

the earthquake. It lasted about two and a half seconds. Tom and

I were leaning on the drafting table, and I can not tell direction

of shock probably east and west. Eeported by George Davidson.

1897. July 26; Alameda.

Mr. Perrine's seismograph gives a record of this shock which, however, was very light, only one or two irregular, short waves. 

1897. July 26 ; San Francisco.

There was a sharp, short, and heavy shock of earthquake at 5.40 

o'clock last evening, preceded by a low, rumbling sound, that caused 

many people to think that there had been an explosion in one of 

the powder mills across the bay. The shock alarmed the nervous 

ones, and they sought safety by going into the streets. Although 

the heaviest and strongest buildings in the city trembled, no damage was reported. The rumbling noise that heralded the earthquake was particularly noticeable in the resident portions of the 

city. In the commercial center and along the principal thoroughfares, the noise was drowned by the clanging of car bells and the 

rattling of heavy teams over the pavement. Although people in 

the business quarter (lid not hear the noise, they all experienced 

the shock. The atmosphere was close aud the sky partly obscured 

by fog when the shock occurred.

"The earthquake," said Local Forecast Official McAdie, of the 

Weather Bureau, " was due to the surface of the earth drying up 

and cracking like the skin on an apple. There was no atmospheric 

disturbance, either before or after it. The clock in the Weather 

Bureau office registered the time at forty minutes and thirty-five 

seconds past 5 o'clock when the earth began to rock. I was on the 

roof of the Mills Building at the time and distinctly felt the shock. 

It lasted about two seconds. The building moved up and down. I 

at first thought that one of the powder magazines at Pinole had 

blown up, and looked in that direction, half expecting to see a 

cloud of smoke. The building moved as if some heavy weight had 

been dropped on the floors. It was a quick, jerky motion, but the^ 

shock was not as heavy as that on June 20 last, when considerable 

damage was done in the interior of the State." San Francisco 

Examiner, July 27.
CHRONOLOGICAL RECORD, 1897. 43

1897, July 26; Berkeley; 5.42p.m.

BERKELEY, July 26. A slight earthquake shock was felt here at 

5.42 this afternoon. The vibrations were east and west. No damage was done. San Francisco Call. «

1897. July 26; Oakland.

OAKLAND, July 26. There was very little shock felt here of the 

earthquake this afternoon. At the Chabot Observatory the instruments showed only a slight mark on the plate, and nothing of any 

consequence was recorded. San Francisco Call.

1897. September 27; Olympia, Washington; Ih. 30m. a. m. 

OLYMPIA, WASHINGTON, September 27. A slight shock of earthquake was felt here this morning at 1.30 o'clock. The vibrations 

were of sufficient force to awaken sound sleepers. No damage 

reported. San Jose Mercury, September 28.

1897. October 2; College Park; 8h. 41m. 57.3s. a. m., P. B. t.

Earthquake shock preceded by rumble. Shock was quite marked,

especially on upper floors of buildings. Reported by H.D. Curtis.

1897. October 2; San Francisco; 8h. 42m. a. m.

At eighteen minutes before 9 o'clock yesterday morning a moderately 

sharp shock of earthquake was felt in this city by residents of the 

western addition, although it did not seem to make much of an 

impression on the down-town buildings. Mr. William M. Pierson, 

who is a Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society of London and 

past president of the Astronomical Society of the Pacific, is authority for the exact time. At his residence on Yan JSTess avenue 

Mr. Piersou felt the shock, and with the instinct of a trained 

observer noted the exact time. To. him, as to others in the residence quarter, the direction seemed to be about north and south. 

Chandeliers were vibrated in that general direction, and the force 

would be about II on the Rossi-Forel scale. San Francisco Examiner, October 3.

1897. October 2; Alma; 8h. 45m. a. m.

ALMA, October 2. A strong shock of earthquake was felt here at 8.45 

this morning. It lasted ten seconds. There was no damage. San 

Francisco Examiner, October 3.

1897. October 2; Santa Cruz; 8h. 45m. a. m.

SANTA CRUZ, October 2. An earthquake shock was felt at 8.45 this 

morning. Vibrations were east and west. San Francisco Examiner, October 3.

1897. October 5; Stockton; 7h. 44m. p. m.

STOCKTON, October 5. This city had a slight shock of earthquake 

this evening at 7.44. Many people felt the shock, and in some 

laces chandeliers shook perceptibly. San Jose Mercury, October 6.

1897. October 17; Mount Hamilton; 3h. 30m. 26-21s. p. m., P. s. t. 

Three irregular jolts nearly north and south, lasting five seconds. 

Loose windows rattled. R.-F. III. C. D. P.
44 EARTHQUAKES IN CALIFORNIA IN 1896 AND 1897. 

1897. October 17; Mount Hamilton Continued.

The shock was recorded by the duplex seismograph as almost 

entirely northeast and southwest, the magnified record in this 

direction being 2.3» mm.; at right angles to this the record is 

1 mm. 

1897. October 17; San Jose; 3h. 30m. p. m.

SAN JOSE, October 17. A slight shock of earthquake was felt here 

at 3.30 o'clock this afternoon. There were irregular vibrations 

lasting some seconds, the motion being from northeast to southwest. No damage was done. San Francisco Examiner, October 18.

1897. November 21; Randsburg; 11.30 a. m.; 12.30 p. m.

EANDSBURG, November 21. Two very distinct earthquakes have 

been felt here to-day, the first at 11.20 o'clock and the next an 

hour later. The vibrations were from north to south. Buildings 

shook perceptibly, but no damage was done. San Jose Mercury, 

November '22. 

1897. Decembers; Forest Grove, Oregon; 8.30p.m.

Slight shock. Monthly Weather Eeview, December, 1897. 

1897. December 10; Mount Hamilton.

Slight shock felt by several persons between midnight and daylight. Time not taken. Barely a trace on the duplex seismograph. Did not start the Ewing instrument. 

_897. December 15; Waterville, Washington.

Duration, four to six seconds; direction, northwest to southeast. 

1897. December 15; Lakeside, Washington.

A severe shock. Monthly Weather Eeview, December, 1897. 

1397. December 16, 17, 20; Lakeside, Washington.

Light shocks, all occurring at 6 a. m., vibrating from west to east. 

Monthly Weather Eeview, December, 1897. 

1897. December 23; Mills College; 5h. 15m. a. in.

Distinct shock of earthquake. Reported by Josiah Keep.

1897. December 26 ; Centerville; 7.06 a. m.

Duration, five seconds; direction, north to south. Monthly Weather 

Keview, December, 1897.

In 1897 there were twenty-five shocks of earthquake recorded in 

California, as against sixteen for the year 189(3.

The shock of June 20 was accurately timed both at Mount Hamilton 

and Oakland, and as we know approximately the center from which 

the disturbance radiated, we can obtain the velocity over this part of 

its path. At Mount Hamilton the beginning was noted at 12h. 12rn. 

56s., P. s. t., by several observers, and Mr. Babcock obtained 12h. 13m. 

9s., P. s. t., as the time of the same phase in Oakland, an interval of 

thirteen seconds.

Assuming the epicentrum to have been between San Juan and 

Salinas, we find Mount Hamilton to be 40 miles from this point, while 

Oakland is 80 miles. As both points lie nearly in the same direction
CHRONOLOGICAL RECORD, 1897. 45

from the origin of the disturbance ((littering only 20'), we may assume 

that the disturbance moved toward both stations Avith the same 

velocity. From this data we find the velocity between Mount Hamilton and Oakland to be 3.1 miles per second.

This is an! unusually high velocity, and in this connection it will be 

interesting to note the intervals in the cases of other shocks which have 

been timed with sufficient accuracy.

Seconds.

1889. .'July 31; Lick Observatory; East Oakland .......................... -f- 11

July 31; Lick Observatory; San Francisco.......................... + 7

1890. April 2<1; San Francisco; San Jose (U. P.)........................... 40

' May 11; San Francisco; East Oakland .............................. ^ 0

1891. January 2; Lick Observatory; San Francisco ....................... '22

January 2; Lick Observatory; San Jose ............................ 12

June 28; Lick Observatory; San Francisco.......................... 1.0

October 11; San Francisco; Oakland ........................ ...... 17

1892. April 19; Lick Observatory; Carson, Nev ........................... 70 -jApril 21; San Francisco; lieno, Ntsv................................. 107

1896. July 26; Lick Observatory; San Frauciscc...... ,°. ................. + 15

The April, 1892, shocks had their origin in the great Central Valley 

of California, and we may safely take a point near Vacaville as the 

epiceutruin of both disturbances. Assuming that the velocity was 

the same at equal distances from thin point, we find for the shock of 

April 19, an average velocity of 0.8 mile per second for a distance of 50 

miles from Carson, ISTev., measured toward the center of disturbance. 

The interval of time of seventy seconds is somewhat uncertain, perhaps 

ten or fifteen seconds. For the shock of April 21 we deduce an average 

velocity of 0.8 mile between Reno and a point 90 miles distant toward 

the center of disturbance. There are no accurate times available at or 

near the epicentrum of these two shocks. The centers of disturbance 

for the other cases are entirely too uncertain to base any velocities 

upon.

INDEX TO PLACES.

Page.

Acapulco, Mexico.......................... 29

Alameda............................. 22,21!, 26,42

Alnia....................................... 43

Berkeley............................. 22,23,26,43

Big Eiver .................................. 22

Burrard Mountains, British Columbia ..... 21

Cacaluto, Mexico........................... 29

Cahto......................'................ 24

Cantau Creek .............................. 33

Cape Blanco light-house, Oregon........... 22

Carson, Nevada ......................... 19, 22, 31

Centerville.................................. 44

Cocopali Mountains........................ 18

Colima, Mexico ............................ 28

College Park................................ 32, 43

Cordoba, Mexico........................... 29

Decoto ..................................... 30

Descanso................................... 24

Douglas Island, Alaska.................... 41

East ClaUain, Washington ................. 21

Esquimault, British Columbia ............. 18

Eureka.................................... 21

Evergreen ................................. 23

Forest Grove, Oregon...................... 44

Fresno..................................... 39

Gilroy...................................... 33,40

Gonzales................................... 39

Great Salt Lake, Utah ..................... 29

Hauford...................... '.. ............ 37

Hay wards.................................. 36

Highland Springs.......................... 30

Hollister................................... 34

Lake Chapala, Mexico...................... 18

Lakeport................................... 30

Lakeside, Washington..................... 44

Los Angeles ............................... 21

Los Gatos.................................. 34

McMinnville, Oregon....................... 22

Merced..................................... 23,36

Mills College............................ 27,32,44

Milton ..................................... 36

Modesto.................................... 36

Monterey .................................. 35

Moro Bay .................................. 30

Mount Baker, Washington................. 29

Page. 

Mount Hamilton...... 23, 24, 25, 26, 28, 31,42,43,44

Mount Hood ............................... 23

Mount Tauqniz ............................ 23

Napa....................................... 23

Newinan................................... 36

Newport, Oregon........................... 27

Oakland................................. 27,38,43

Oaxaca, Mexico ...................... 26,29,30,40

Olympia, Washington...................... 43

Orizabo Volcano, Mexico................... 28

Pacific Grove .............................. 35

Pasadena................................... 21

Pinole...................................... 23

Pinta ...................................... 30

Port Angeles, Washington ................. J8

Portland, Oregon........................... - 22

Kandsburg................................. 44

Redding ................................... 21

Redwood...........'....................... 39

Keno, Nevada .............................. 31

Sacramento ................................ 36

Salinas..................................... 34,40

San Diego.................................. 22,31

San Francisco.................. 22, 26,37, 38,42,43

San Jose ................................... 33,44

San Rafael................................. 39

Santa Barbara .......................... 24,40,41

Santa Cruz................................. 35,43

Santa Eosa................................. 24,30

Sawmill Peak .............................. 41

Stockton ................................... 38,43

Tauquix Peak.............................. 19,20

Templetou ................................. 35

Topic, Mexico............................... 28

Tomales.................................... 27

Turn Point light-house, Washington....... 18

Okiah...................................... 30

Vallejo..................................... 22

Vera Cruz, Mexico ......................... 29

A7ictoria, British Columbia ................. 18

Visalia..................................... 23, 36

Waterville, Washington ................... 44

Watson v'ille................................ 37

AV'caverville.........................:...... 21

47