Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Today in History: Severe Earthquakes Strike Midwest, Reverse Mississippi River

12/16/2025

31 7

Summary

Story summary

On December 16, 1811, the New Madrid earthquakes began with a powerful initial quake measuring between 7.2 and 8.2 magnitude, followed by a 7.4 aftershock on the same day. These tremors, centered near New Madrid, Missouri, were the strongest recorded in the eastern United States, causing significant geological changes, including the Mississippi River appearing to flow backward.

1 of 1

Story summary

On December 16, 1811, the New Madrid earthquakes began with a powerful initial quake measuring between 7.2 and 8.2 magnitude, followed by a 7.4 aftershock on the same day. These tremors, centered near New Madrid, Missouri, were the strongest recorded in the eastern United States, causing significant geological changes, including the Mississippi River appearing to flow backward.