These biographical and historical sketches are highlights of Missouri history. Many sketches are from Missouri, Day by Day , published by the State Historical Society of Missouri in 1942. Links are to related primary sources at the Western Historical Manuscript Collection on the four campuses of the University of Missouri system.
Previous sketches are also available.
The first shock of the New Madrid earthquake, generally conceded to have been of greater intensity and severity then the Charleston or San Francisco quakes, occurred December 16, 1811. Subsequent shocks went on for more then a year. A number of scientists and educated men who were in or near the region during the period of disturbance have given vivid pictures of their experiences. A second shock followed early in the morning. On the Mississippi great waves were created and it is recorded that the river ran upstream a moment.