Brick

Downtown Brick in 2023

## ZIP codes

93165

Brick is a city in Meadow and Jackson counties towards the center of the country of Ethania. The bulk of the city is in Meadow County, while the residential portions are in Jackson County. With a population of 21,867 as of the 2020 census, Brick is the 33rd most-populous city in the country. Brick is the main hub of the Brick-Diaxe Metro area, which is home to 119,050 people making it the 12th largest metropolitian area in the country. In June 2017, the city was hit by a violent EF5 tornado which destroyed much of the northern suburbs of the city.

The community is served by Jackson County Unified School District 367. The district school office, St. Ethan High School is located in the city of Brick, and four other schools in other cities.

## History

### 19th century

During the 19th century, Brick was a small, rural community with a focus on agriculture and local commerce. Many of the town's residents during this time period were farmers, who relied on the fertile land in the surrounding area to cultivate crops and raise livestock. Small family-owned businesses, such as blacksmiths, tanneries, and general stores, also played an important role in the local economy.

The architecture of Brick during the 19th century reflected the prevailing styles of the time, with many buildings featuring simple, functional designs. However, some larger homes and public buildings showcased more elaborate and ornate architectural features. As in many communities during this time period, life in Brick had been challenging for some residents. Economic hardship, disease, and natural disasters were common challenges facing many towns and cities in Ethania during the 19th century.

### 20th century

During the 20th century, the town of Brick in Ethania underwent significant changes as the country itself modernized and urbanized. The town experienced population growth, technological advancements, and shifts in its economic and social structure. One of the biggest changes that Brick experienced during the 20th century was increased industrialization. Factories and manufacturing plants had established in and around the town, creating new job opportunities for residents and bringing new wealth and prosperity to the area.

The town's architecture may have also evolved during this time period. Many older buildings may have been renovated or repurposed, while new, modern structures may have been built to accommodate the changing needs of the community.

The advent of new technologies and transportation systems may have also impacted life in Brick during the 20th century. Improved roads, automobiles, and public transportation systems may have made it easier for residents to travel outside of the town and connect with other communities.

### 21st century

During the early 2000s, Brick had undergone continued urbanization and expansion of the surrounding metropolitan area. As more people move into the region, Brick experienced increased pressure to develop new housing and commercial areas to accommodate the growing population.

## 2017 tornado

A large and devastating tornado struck Brick, Ethania on the evening of Thursday, June 15, 2017. Part of a larger early-June tornado outbreak, the EF5 tornado began just west of Brick and intensified very quickly, reaching a maximum width of nearly one and a half miles during its path through the northern part of the city. The tornado tracked northeast through Brick, and then continued across I-55 into rural portions of Meadow and Jackson counties, weakening before it dissipated.

The tornado devastated a large portion of the city of Brick, damaging nearly 9,000 buildings, and of those, destroying nearly 3,245. The damage—which included an elementary school and numerous churches, —amounted to a total of $4.2 billion, making the Brick tornado the costliest single tornado in Ethania history.