Earthquake of 1811

From "Lexington" by Mary Wilson and Sharon Y. Asher, published sometime after 1975.

THE EARTHQUAKE OF l8l1*

In 1811 the Midwest was hit by a tremendous earthquake which was felt throughout the Indiana Territory. In Scott County residents felt the shock and many chimneys were thrown down.

Ministers in that day were quick to take advantage of such occasions to vehemently call upon sinners to repent and accept the Gospel before "time and hope ran out and the door of mercy was shut and they were lost to eternity." Many such converts, however, eventually lost their zeal after their panic lessened and the excitement waned, and they turned back to the world.

*Memoirs of Elizabeth Hardy of Lexington, Indiana


Return to: Lexington - A Pioneer Town