This Day in History March 26, 1872

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Have you ever heard of the devastating earthquake that rocked Owens Valley, California?  I have to admit that I had not.  It was on this date in 1872 that an earthquake was felt from Mexico to Oregon, and 30 people were killed as a result.

More thank likely you have heard of the San Andreas Fault in California, and at 2:30 A.M. that morning, the majority of the people in Lone Pine, California were asleep.  Fifty-two of the fifty-nine homes were destroyed, and 27 people were killed.  The ground moved a full seven feet.  The estimated magnitude was 7.8.

People as far away as Tijuana, Mexico, San Diego, and Nevada.  One of the most famous accounts of the earthquake came from John Muir who was instrumental in the establishment of Yosemite National Park.
He saw the destruction of the natural landmark Eagle Rock. You can read his account by visiting this site

.When traveling U.S. 395 through Lone Pine, you can also see the above monument which is a grave for the casualties of this quake.

For more information, please check out these other sites as well:
http://therealdesertdogs.com/blog/1872-earthquake-victims/
http://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/states/events/1872_03_26.php