1855

Jan. 13

BSSA, Vol. 29, no. 1, p. 31.

18h 30m. V. San Benito and San Miguel. Smart shock. It was also felt at San Luis Obispo. -J.B.T.

1855

Jan 14

BSSA, Vol. 29, no. 1, p. 31.

10 pm. V. Coast of California. Along ninety-four miles. -Perrey.

1855

Jun 25

1400 hr

BSSA, Vol. 29, no. 1, p. 31.

V. Santa Barbara, and north to the valley of Santa Maria. Smart shock. -J.B.T

1855

Jul 10 or 11

CDMG, 1981, p. 145.

The bells at Mission San Gabriel were thrown down (VIII MM). Trask reports that "two unusually heavy sea waves rolled in at Pt. San Juan just after the last shock." Trask (1964b, p. 139) reports that the earthquake was felt at Santa Barbara, but the Santa Barbara Gazette does not confirm this. The Gazette does report the earthquake in Los Angeles and reports as earthquake on July 25 that was felt in Santa Barbara.

USCD 41-1, p. 156, 1970 ed.

Los Angeles (VIII), Santa Barbara (VII), San Bernardino

"Four shocks were felt in about 12 seconds. Bells in San Gabriel Mission Church were thrown down. An adobe building located directly on the Raymond fault was wrecked. Twenty six buildings were damaged in Los Angeles (almost every structure according to one source). The walls of the Star Hotel cracked, and the west wall of the church cracked in several places. Submarine origin suggested by sea waves."

1855

Jul 18

Santa Barbara Gazette, v.1, n. 9 (Thursday, Jul. 19, 1855 but July 10 in T-A)

TREMENDOUS SHOCK OF AN EARTHQUAKE. Last evening at about half- past seven (8:15 in T-A) was experienced the heaviest and most tremendous of an earthquake ever known in this country, and one that will be long remembered in this section. Such was the force that large members of our one- story buildings were cracked from top to bottom, glass and crockery-ware was thrown from the shelves, windows broken, etc., etc. Nearly every merchant in this city suffered quite severely in this manner. Lamps were upset, families seated at the tea-table were dismayed to witness the sudden overturn of tea-urns and dishes, and fled affrighted to the open air. Clocks were thrown down; indeed, hardly a building escaped without damage to its walls, or destruction to some portion of its contents. The shock lasted for several seconds and appeared to lift up and twist the ground about, accompanied by a roaring noise like the approach of a hurricane. The weather during the day had been somewhat cloudy and very unusual for this season. There was a slight fall of rain about 11 A.M. The movements appeared to come from the east, although its suddenness rendered it impossible to determine with any accuracy its direction. Los Angeles never took as thorough a purge before - every house was deserted in a trice. There can be no doubt that had our city been composed of three and four-story buildings, it would have been leveled with the ground. Our buildings are generally but one-story, however, and to this fact we are indebted for our escape from what might have been a fearful catastrophe. As it was, walls of two and a half and three feet in thickness, were rent asunder, and a general ripping and crackling took place, that created universal consternation and brought Miller's prophecies vividly to mind. Our citizens are busily engaged to-day in repairing damages in readiness for another shake.

Note - Mount Vesuvius erupting concurrently. Ed.

1855

Jul 25

Santa Barbara Gazette, v. 1, n. 10 (Jul. 26, 1855).

EARTHQUAKE. Two distinct shocks of an earthquake were felt in this city at about 2 P.M. yesterday. The vibration of the earth was from east to west, and for a few moments caused very considerable excitement amongst our citizens. Many left their homes, apprehensive of a recurrence of the danger. The violence of the shock was sufficient to move the walls of the houses, throw down small articles, and for the time being caused a very general consternation. It is but a short time since a similar occurrence took place in Los Angeles, in which some considerable damage was done to property, and we may expect a repetition of these shocks in this section of the country during the summer. Should one of these earthquakes occur in San Francisco, numbers of the brick buildings there would undoubtedly be destroyed. A peculiarity which attended the shock felt here was a distinct rumbling noise, resembling dull thunder, which lasted for some minutes previous to any visible motion being felt.

Charles Huse Diary, published by Santa Barbara Historical Museum, 1977

"Wednesday, July 25, 1855 - At ten minutes past two in the afternoon, there was a very appreciable earthquake shock. I was seated, pen in hand, when it happened and I jumped suddenly and ran out of the house. The roof tile is so heavy that it is safer to be in the street than in a room. The direction of the movement seemed to be from the East to the West. I believe that if this house had been three or four stories high, it would have fallen."

These earthquakes may be aftershocks of the July 10 or 11 earthquake. Ed.

1855

Aug 5

Charles Huse Diary, published by Santa Barbara Historical Museum, 1977

"Sunday, August 05, 1855 - They fired salvos of cannon at the Catholic Church today in honor of the saint [St. Emygdius] who protects against earthquakes. A lot of powder wasted."

1855

Aug 29

History of Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties, California, Thompson and West

SANTA BARBARA. Seven shocks of earthquakes, cracking the adobe walls in Santa Barbara.

We find no other accounts of these earthquakes. Thompson and West accounts of other earthquakes have erred considerably with regard to date, time, and casualties, but see the following earthquake. Ed.

1855

Sep 4

Charles Huse Diary, published by Santa Barbara Historical Museum, 1977

"Tuesday, September 04, 1855 - There was a very strong earthquake at four this morning."

1855

Sep 4

0400 hrs

Santa Barbara Gazette, Vol. 1, no. 16 (Thursday, Sep. 6, 1855)

A severe shock of an earthquake was felt in this city on Wednesday last at 4 o'clock a.m. We learn that fissures were made in several adobe walls, and in some houses light articles were thrown down.

1856

Jan 9

History of Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties, California, Thompson and West

Severe earthquake. Two persons killed. (probably Jan. 9 1857 Ft. Tejon earthquake. Ed.)

Santa Barbara Gazette, v. 2, n. 31 (Thursday, Dec. 18, 1856).

A NEW SULFUR SPRING. A warm sulfur spring was discovered this week on the beach, in front of the store of Burton, Blake and Hinchman. The spring can only be seen at low water.

1857

Jan 8-9

SAN FRANCISCO TO FORT YUMA. Severe at San Gabriel, San Diego and San Bernardino; large fissure made in western part of latter town. San Buenaventura Mission roof torn down.

1857

Jan 8

BSSA, Vol. 29, no. 1, p. 34.

6 am, 9 am, 10 am. Santa Barbara. In the afternoon two slight shocks and one severe one; 8:30 am, Los Angeles; 8:15 am, San Francisco; 7 am, Monterey; 7:30, Sacramento. -Perrey.

The only shock recorded by Tennent for Jan. 1857 was the great shock at 8 am on Jan. 9, and not Jan. 8, as stated by Holden. Ed.

11:20 pm; also Jan. 9. VIII? IX? California. Heavy earthquakes. All the houses in Santa Barbara were damaged. -Perrey.

All the remarks in the two citations above refer without doubt to the great earthquake of Jan. 9, so one is left wondering where the shock of 11:20 pm, Jan.8 was felt. It is stated in "Report of the State Earthquake Investigation Commission," 1, 450, on the authority of Perrey and Holden, that this shock of Jan. 8 was felt in Santa Barbara and all the houses were damaged by it. We think that such an interpretation of Holden's entries is not warranted. So far as we know, there is no evidence that any damage was done by a series of shocks, except the one that came at about 8:14 am, Jan. 9. Ed.

1857

Jan 9

Fort Tejon, California, earthquake of January 9, 1857 (M 8+)

M=8.25+ central and southern California, probable felt area = 250,000 sq. miles

This was one of the great historic earthquakes of the western United States. Called the Fort Tejon earthquake, it took place on the San Andreas fault with ground rupturing from Parkfield east of Paso Robles to Cajon Pass north of San Bernardino, a distance of from 360 to 400 km. The most detailed study of the earthquake has been published by Sieh (1978) and by Agnew and Sieh (1978) to which the reader is referred for a comprehensive overview. We reprint here description material that pertains only to felt effects in Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties. Ed.

History of Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties, California, by Thompson and West, p. 111.

At Fort Tejon the earth opened ten or fifteen feet for a distance of thirty or forth miles, extending in a direction of the trend of the mountains almost in a straight line.

It was also felt at Point Conception, where the tower of the light-house was severely damaged.

Santa Barbara Gazette, v. 2, n. 35 (Thursday, Jan.15, 1857)

THE EARTHQUAKES: On Friday last, Jan. 9, this city and adjacent settlements was visited by a succession of earthquake shocks, one of which was the most severe which has been experienced on this coast for a long series of years. So far as our present information extends, it was felt as far south as Los Angeles. It extended to Point Conception westward. No information has yet been received from towns situated north of this place, but we shall doubtless hear from its effects in many localities as yet unheard from.

In this city, the morning of the eventful day was ushered in by the same genial sun; the air was tranquil, and no unusual atmospheric phenomena indicated that any sudden danger was so near at hand. At about 10 minutes past 8 o'clock there was a sudden vibration of the earth, which was brief continuance. By many it was unnoticed, but it was distinctly observed by those persons who have felt this peculiar sensation at former periods. At about half past 8, or at 22 minutes past 8 o'clock, according to those who assert that they had the "correct time," the severest shock commenced, and which continued from 40 to 60 seconds. It was universally noticed throughout the city, and was so violent in its vibrations that all the inhabitants fled from their dwellings, the majority of whom, on bended knees, and hearts throbbing with terror, made fervent supplications that the imminent and impending danger might be providentially averted.

This "shock" (for we have no more expressive phrase in the English language to denote the peculiar phenomenon, -- the Spanish appellant "tremblor" is more significant) commenced with a gentle vibration of the earth, which gradually increased, accompanied with an undulating motion, until it attained its culminating intensity, and then as gradually decreased, until it ceased its actions altogether. The vibrations were in an easterly and westerly direction. The peculiar motion experienced during its continuance very much resembled that on board a vessel in a moderate sea. Happily, it passed away without causing material damage to this city. Many walls of buildings were cracked, and we candidly acknowledge that most of us were very severely frightened. We have heard of no unusual action of the sea during the above mentioned period. The slight damage which ensued therefrom to our dwellings can doubtless be attributed to the great thickness of their "adobe" walls, and the fact their being built, with a few exceptions, of but one story in height.

Some three or four hours after the occurrence we took a short walk up to the old mission church. Near that building is a water reservoir, built of stone laid in cement. The earthquake, we noticed, had caused the water therein to be forcibly ejected over each of the four sided,******* which had found its way to the ravine nearby in a large stream, --indicating the strong vibratory, upheaval motion at that place.

During the evening of the above day some two or three brief "shocks" or vibrations were felt; indeed, throughout the entire day and evening the earth to us, seemed to be more or less agitated with a tremulous motion, but up to the present period we are happy to chronicle the fact that our beautiful valley continues "in status quo."

The steamer Senator arrived the next morning (Jan. 10th) bringing us the news from Los Angeles that the earthquake was severely felt at that city at about the same time of its occurrence in this locality. It was thought, on comparing notes, that its effects were more severe in that place than here.

Through the politeness of Mr. W. M. Johnson, U. S. Coast Surveyor for this district, we are placed in possession of the following interesting account of the earthquake phenomenon which occurred at San Buenaventura and vicinity. The mission church at San Buenaventura is badly injured. The roof has fallen in, or rather is supported by the walls and ceiling of the edifice, and the belfry is badly damaged. The greatest vibration and agitation of the earth is supposed to have taken place in the vicinity of Santa Clara River. Mr. Johnson's position was some thirty miles southeast of San Buenaventura, in a canada called Sycamore Valley (Canada de Los Alisos) sixty miles by land from this city. He noted the following observations: The first shock occurred at 24 minutes past 8 o'clock in the morning; vibrations heavy and violent, and continued 2 minutes. Second shock occurred at 34 minutes past 8. The third at 36 minutes past 8; was quite violent, and continued 10 seconds. The fourth shock took place at 38 minutes past 8; this was accompanied with a loud rumbling noise, a distinguishing feature, which was observed in no other shocks, either before or afterwards. The fifth shock was noticed at 12 minutes of 9, which was slight, and the sixth at 2 minutes past 9, which was also slight. The vibrations were N.W. and S.W. In the evening of the same day three momentary shocks were distinctly felt, the last one being the most intense. They occurred at 27 minutes past 8, at 10 minutes of 9, and 36 minutes past 10, respectively. At Santa Clara River the following interesting effects of the "tremblor" were observed: there were large cracks in the bed of the river, running parallel to each other, for some ten or fifteen yards in length, in a N.E. and S.W. direction. About one mile from the mouth of the same river large square blocks of the earth had sunk below the surrounding surface, and there remained.

Mr. Bodie called upon us on Tuesday and informed us that the earthquake was distinctly felt at Point Conception and at Santa Cruz Island. At the point it shook the lighthouse and damaged the reflector. At Santa Cruz a portion of the bluff at that place fell down.

While looking over our exchanges since the unusual phenomenon which had visited us, we find the following recent accounts of earthquake shocks which have occurred both in this country and Europe, viz:

"An earthquake was felt at Cairo, Illinois, November 15th, but no great damage done."

"By the latest news from Europe we learn that severe earthquakes had occurred in Egypt, and that the shocks were felt in Greece and Italy. Two hundred houses were demolished in Cairo. The city of Rhodes was in ruins. Some damage was also done in Smyrna. The earthquakes also did a great damage in Malta, Messina, Pozzalo, Syracuse, Candia, and other places Mediterranean. Several vessels in the Mediterranean felt the shock severely, and on board many of the steamers the machinery was stopped. The shocks extended from the 11th to 16th of October. During the whole time Mount Etna was emitting dense volumes of smoke."

" A very violent earthquake was felt at Malta, October 25th, the shock being more violent and of longer duration than the oldest inhabitants remember to have experienced heretofore."

We fear we have trespassed too much upon the time of our readers already by the somewhat unusual length of this article, but will add a word or two more, which is a request that some of our patrons may feel disposed to give their opinions as to what is the cause of "earthquakes." Let us hear from all those who take an interest in elucidating the mysterious and somewhat apparently incomprehensible operation of Nature.

P.S. - We have to record two more "tremblores" in this place since writing the above. One light shock occurred about midnight and another strong shock at about 6 o'clock this morning.

During the observations of Mr. Johnson, above noted, no deflection of the magnetic needle was apparent. We are informed that in the vicinity of the Hot Springs at the period of the severe shock on Friday morning, large rocks on the neighboring peaks were detached from their position and rolled down the mountain side into the canon. We trust that we shall not be unwilling chroniclers of any further "quakes" in this quarter.

This was one of a number of aftershocks of the 9 January 1857 Fort Tejon earthquakes. During the first few weeks following the earthquakes the aftershocks were so frequent and common, no one in Santa Barbara seems to have attempted to chronicle each one of them. Aftershocks continued at least through April and were felt in Los Angeles according to the Los Angeles Star. Agnew and Sieh (1978) remark that regional correlation of three aftershocks is not feasible because the unevenness of geographic coverage. Ed.

1857

Jan 16

1600

Santa Barbara Gazette

"On Friday there was another earthquake ... 20th inst."

More aftershocks from the Fort Tejon earthquake. Ed.

1857

Jan 22

Santa Barbara Gazette, vol. 2, n. 36 (Thursday, Jan. 22, 1857).

The schooner Laura Bevan, Morton, arrived in this port Wednesday evening, January 21st, two days from San Pedro, and will leave today, bound for San Francisco. Reports no earthquake has been felt at San Diego.

The schooner Victoria, Peabody, arrived in this port on the 16th inst., from Santa Catalina Island, with a cargo of fish. Sailed on the 17th for Santa Cruz Island. Reports the Ella Fisher, Kimberely, left Santa Catalina on the 15th, on a cruise down the coast after otters. The earthquake was sensibly felt at Santa Catalina, where it shook down a portion of the cliff.

EARTHQUAKES AGAIN:

Poet thus exclaims:

"How awful is the thought of the wonders underground. Of the mystic changes wrought in the silent, dark profound!"

Very expressive language, and quite descriptive of the feelings of many in regard to the subterranean commotions which have visited us of late. Last week we gave a lengthy account of "earthquakes" recently felt in this city and neighborhood and this week we herewith continue their chronicle.

On Friday, Jan. 16th, there was another earthquake at or about 4 o'clock p.m. Fortunately, it was of brief continuance. No damage ensued therefrom. It was sensibly felt throughout the city, and was of sufficient intensity to cause people to leave their houses. There was a slight shock on Sunday morning, the 18th inst., and another moderate shock on the night of the 20th inst.

From the surrounding country we have received the following information. The severe shock which occurred on the 9th inst., was felt to the north and west of the city as far as Point Arguello, and also at Santa Catalina and Santa Rosa Islands.

Mr. Warner arrived here on the 17th inst., from Fort Tejon via Elizabeth Lake and San Buenaventura, to whom we are indebted for the following interesting account of the effects of the recent earthquake as experienced at the above locality and vicinity. From his statement, the earthquake of the 9th inst., as there experienced, exceeded in intensity and severity that observed in any other locality, so far as heard from. The main disturbing force of the shocks which were so widely felt on the 9th, without doubt, was in the vicinity of the fort, and extended to an unknown distance in the Desert. The earthquake occurred on Friday morning, the 9th inst., at about the same time that it was felt here. All the houses, with two exceptions, were thrown down or otherwise injured so as to be rendered entirely useless. The shock was proceeded with a peculiar rushing or rumbling noise, and for more than a week thereafter noises somewhat resembling distant thunder were heard. Fortunately, no serious damage to life or limb occurred. Mrs. Kirkham, wife of the Quartermaster, was slightly injured. Immediately after the shock had passed, an express messenger with advises was dispatched to General Wool. All the public works at the Fort necessarily suspended. The damages are estimated at $50,000.

Two companies of U.S. troops, who had just arrived from New Mexico, were having their horses herded in the Kern River valley. When the shock occurred, the men in charge were around their camp fires in the morning. It very unceremoniously tipped over their coffee pots, their camp kettles, and themselves also. Upon looking at the river, they were astonished to see the Kern River running UPSTREAM. Large trees were uprooted, and in the language of some who were THAR, "All creation seemed to be going into one eternal smash." The water in Tulare Lake was upheaved to an unknown height, and large quantities of fish were thrown upon its banks, where they have remained. At the "Mill" some 12 miles west of Tejon, the shock was very heavy. It tore up large trees and twisted off branches, threw people on the ground, and when over, caused a general stampede for the Fort, upon the supposition, we suppose, that that place was "safe as any," and that "misery loves company." One mile and a half this side of the Fort a lady was badly hurt. When the shock was first felt, she ran out of the house and crept under a cart for safety. A limb of a tree standing close by, fell directly across the cart, which it crushed to pieces, injuring her severely. Mr.Gale, whose dwelling is situated about the same distance from the Fort experienced a severe injury during his exertions to rescue his children from the ruins of his falling house. At Reed's rancho, 6 miles from Tejon on the Los Angeles trail, the wife of Mr. Reed's vaquero was killed. A beam fell in the house on her head, killing her instantly.

A large rent in the earth was traced by Mr. Warner a distance of 8 leagues. When on the high ground by Elizabeth Lake it could still be discerned running in an easterly direction towards the Colorado River. This rent was in some places 5 to 10 yards wide, the earth at times filling it up like ploughed furrows; at others the ground stood apart, leaving a deep fissure. Its course was in a straight direction, across valleys, through lakes and over hills, without regard to any quality or condition of surface. On either side the ground had been more or less disturbed for a long distance. While on the way hither, when traveling between Cumola and San Francisco ranchos, some 30 miles distant from San Buenaventura, a heavy shock was felt in the afternoon at the same time that it was noticed here on Friday, Jan. 16th, which we have already above described.

From the preceding description of the earthquake as experienced in and about Tejon, it may perhaps be not altogether unreasonable to suppose, either that some extinct crater has been kindled with fresh fires, or a new volcano formed somewhere in the Desert country situated between the coast and the Colorado River. In last Thursday's Gazette we published a few brief accounts of recent earthquakes which had been experienced both in our country and in Europe. We herewith add two or three more items to this chapter of incidents, the whole of which will prove that earthquake disturbances have occurred late in widely separated provinces throughout the world: (then is mentioned a volcanic eruption on the Island of Unimask in the Pacific, an earthquake in Honduras on 8/9/1856; and earthquake in Sorrento, Italy on 10/12/1856; and Vesuvius was emitting smoke at the same time. Ed.)

We are indebted to Capt. Morton for a copy of the Los Angeles Star of the 17th inst. from which we take the following interesting incidents:

"The earthquake was felt at Los Angeles on 9th inst. a.m., at 27 minutes after 8. The vibrations were north and south. About half an hour afterward there was another shock, much less violent, and during the day there was a number of slight vibrations of the earth. At 5 p.m. there was a shock almost as severe as the first. At 11:00 p.m. another heavy shock, and several vibrations were felt during the night. On the 10th inst., several slight shocks occurred, with a severe one at 11:00 p.m. On the 11th, at 11 p.m. a pretty strong vibration was felt. The 12th was generally free from shocks. On the 16th, at 5 p.m., a very severe vertical shock was experienced. The earth moved from south to north, and was almost as severe as the heavy shock of the 9th. No damage of any consequence has been sustained by our citizens. The river was lifted above its banks. In several stores goods were thrown from the floor. At Temple's rancho on the San Gabriel River, the earth for a considerable distance was rent asunder, leaving a ditch some 3 feet wide. It was traced for miles along the river. The earthquake was violent at Cahuenga, at San Fernando, (where it knocked down two houses), at the Mission and at the Monte.

As we have above predicted, Mr. Alonzo C. Wakeman, Quartermaster Deputy, U.S.A., at Fort Tejon in a communication to the editor of the Los Angeles Star, says: "It is very evident that a powerful volcanic eruption is in progress a few miles to the southward of the garrison." Mr. W. further states "The earth has opened in many places for a distance of 20 miles." -- "The line of disruption seems and does extend from S.E. to N.W." -- "Reports from Santa Amella state -- "The beds of many small streams have been enlarged, and now form almost rivers. Immense quantities of have been thrown out of the banks upon dry land." -- "The shock was felt at Tule River, 100 miles distant, at about the same time as here as here on Friday morning. No serious damage was sustained."

A correspondent from San Bernardino says: "We experienced a very heavy earthquake shock this morning at about 8 minutes past 8 o'clock, which lasted nearly 3 minutes. The shock ranged from the East and lasted over 2 minutes, then changed to the South. No serious damage sustained." The editor of the Star learns from other sources that immediately after the shock in San Bernardino "A terrible report was heard along mountains in the north toward Cajon pass, which lasted a considerable time."

"Mr. Denton, who is engaged in surveying the Mohave country writes, -- "On Friday morning, between 8 and 9 o'clock, when at the upper crossing of the Mohave River, about 50 miles from San Bernardino, his attention was attracted by a peculiar harsh, grading noise, immediately after which the earth was violently agitated, and lasted from 30-40 seconds. He could keep on his feet only with difficulty. The Earth seemed to have two motions -- vertical and oscillatory. After the shock he heard a tremendous noise toward the north an northwest, like thunder, accompanied by the grinding of rocks and the crashing of mountains. There was then a short pause, when the same appalling noise was again heard. The weather at his camp was intensely cold: rain, sleet and snow, with hard frost every night."

We conclude with the following statement from the [Los Angeles] Star:

"The earth's disturbance, so far as heard from, seems to have been most severe in the vicinity of Fort Tejon. There the ground was seen to open a width of 20 feet, and close with great violence, leaving a ridge which can be traced for 40 miles, passing through mountains in its course."

1857

Jan 29

Santa Barbara Gazette, v. 2, n. 37 (Thursday, Jan. 29, 1857)

Earthquakes have been felt at Monterey, San Francisco, Benicia, Matrinez, Sacramento, Stockton, Visalia (Tulare County), and at Benson's Ferry, on the Moquelumne River. At Monterey, the vibrating waves seemed to come from the west and north, proceeding to the south and east. It was felt about 7 o'clock on the morning of the 9th inst. No harm done. -- At San Francisco, it occurred at a quarter past 8 in the morning. The shock seemed to be much more severe in the lower than in the upper part of the city. A slight shock was also felt on the morning of the 20th. -- At Benicia, a telegraph dispatched to the Sacramento Times says, "A severe shock of an earthquake was felt here about 4 o'clock, on the morning of the 18th. It was also felt at Martinez." -- At Sacramento, a telegraph dispatched to the Bulletin states that it was felt at half past 7 o'clock in the morning of the 9th inst. No damage. -- At Stockton, the S. J. Republican gives the time at 20 minutes past 8 on the same day, a.m. No damage. -- At Visalia, it occurred at 15 minutes past 8, a.m., on the 9th. Shock very severe, accompanied by a deep rumbling sound "like the grating together of immense rocks." Vibrations from the northeast to southwest.

1857

Feb 5

Santa Barbara Gazette, v. 2, n. 38 (Thursday, Feb. 5, 1857)

"Notes of the week"

Several slight shocks of earthquakes have been felt, but we can truly say they were no great shakes.

Santa Barbara Gazette, v. 2, n. 40 (Thursday, Feb. 19, 1857)

(Article on earthquakes in California taken from the Los Angeles Star on the 1812 earthquake). "On the 21st of December 1812 another severe shock occurred. By this one, the church of Santa Purissima [sic], in Santa Barbara County, was destroyed, and the church of San Luis Obispo was very much damaged, but not entirely destroyed. On the rancho of Los Posas, there had been a very small stream of water, but by this shock it became a large stream, and thus remains to the present day. An American ship at the time was anchored off a canon at the rancho Refugio in Santa Barbara County. The sea being violently agitated, the Captain let go his cable and the vessel was drifted ashore up the Canon, the receding waters bringing her back again. These are the two greatest earthquakes known to the "oldest inhabitant." That of the 8th of December was equally destructive here, as in what was then called the upper county; that of the 21st was more destructive above.

Since that time, there have been only slight shocks of earthquakes, till that of July, 1855. This was vertical, and shook the houses considerably, but did no further damage than cracking the walls of buildings. The oldest inhabitant was Don Jose Antonio Carrillo who was born in San Francisco, April, 1796, and who has, with the exception of two visits to Mexico, resided altogether in this country.

1857

Mar 14

Santa Barbara Gazette Vol. 2, no. 44 (Thursday, Mar. 19, 1857)

A hard earthquake shock was felt in this city and Montecito Valley about 3 o'clock on the morning of the 14th. It was of momentary duration.

BSSA, Vol. 29, no. 1, p. 36.

V. Santa Barbara and Montecito. Severe shocks. -J.B.T.

Trask says " A severe shock," not shocks. Ed.

Santa Barbara Gazette, v. 2, n. 45, (Thursday, March 26, 1857)

The heavy earthquake which we had on the 9th of January last has done us considerable benefit, although this statement would seem an anomaly. Water is now running in places where before the occurrence it was entirely absent. New springs have been created and the discharge of water increased in others which were previously running.

This may well have been because of the earthquake as there are other notices in the paper referring to the fact that there has been much dry weather during the last several weeks and that everybody is wishing for rain; that the paper says that they must have more rain if stock animals are to live or if crops are to arrive at maturity, etc. Ed.

1857

Apr 23

Santa Barbara Gazette, v. 2, n. 49 (Thursday, Apr. 1857)

By a late arrival from Fort Tejon we learned that the earthquakes are yet in active operation of the country. The earth seems to be in an almost incessant state of agitation and the residents are living in constant alarm.

Santa Barbara Gazette, v. 2, n. 51 (Thursday, Apr. 1857)

From the Los Angeles Star the 25th and 30th of April we take the following items: On Sunday last, about 1:00 o'clock p.m., a slight shock of an earthquake was felt in the city. It caused doors and windows to rattle pretty freely, and some people to run out of their houses, but did not create any general alarm. We may mention that earthquake shocks are still a frequent occurrence at Fort Tejon, and of considerable violence.

1857

Jul 9

Charles Huse Diary, published by Santa Barbara Historical Museum, 1977:

"Thursday, July 9, 1857 - There were two strong earthquakes last night at twelve. The first awoke me from a sound sleep. This is a two-story house and a strong earthquake could throw it down."

1858

Sep 2

BSSA, Vol. 29, no. 1, p. 38.

V. Santa Barbara. Smart shock. -J.B.T.

1860

Apr 16

BSSA, v. 6, n. 2, p. 119.

SANTA BARBARA, also elsewhere in California. "Probably independent shocks were felt at these localities, but it is possible that they were all due to minor movements at different points along the San Andreas fault zone.

We find no other reports of earthquakes in the Santa Barbara area. Ed.