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Cascadia Historic Earthquake Catalog, 1793-1929
Covering Washington, Oregon and Southern British Columbia

Provided by: The Pacific Northwest Seismic Network
About the Cascadia Historic Earthquake Catalog       One-line catalog format

1793-1849 .... 1850s .... 1860s .... 1870s .... 1880s .... 1890s .... 1900s .... 1910s .... 1920s .... 1930s (not complete) .... Other Cascadia Catalogs

  
Individual Event Report
Event #79 - Summary, and parameter estimates with source IDs                                           
This may be a foreshock to June 27th 1869 earthquake. This earthquake, felt in Olympia on Sunday afternoon 6/20, was severe near Mount Rainier, and caused a landslide into the Cowlitz River, where turbidity was seen in the Cowlitz at Olequa from Monday through Wednesday. The British Colonist states that this earthquake was not felt in Victoria. Many reports include this earthquake when discussing larger quakes a few days later.
TIME LOCATION MAGNITUDE MAX. INTENSITY FELT AREA
YR MO DAY HR MIN AM/PM Time
Type
LAT(N) LON(W) DEP
(km)
MAG Mag
Type
Felt
Plc.
Felt
St.
Inten-
sity
Int.
Type
Felt
Area
Felt
Area
Int.
Felt
Area
Units
1869  20              Puget Sound  WA           
N-WaS - 2600 - - - N-Ore - 1980 -

Underlying Source Material
Source ID Publication Pub Date Pub Details
2013  Leslie M. Scott, Memoranda of the Files of the Oregonian 1850-1910, Oregon Historical Society  1910  Unpublished index to the Oregonian 
Transcription: at Puget Sound, O-June 25, 1869, P. 3, 50 w.
 
Source ID Publication Pub Date Pub Details
2613  Consultant's Report, Greg Lange, 2004  2004   
Transcription:
Following are all of the references to earthquakes found in the Morning Oregonian from June 20 to July 9, 1869 that were not listed in your "June 1869 Puget Sound Earthquakes." Fort Stevens, mentioned in one of the clippings, refers to a fort on the south side of the mouth of the Columbia River (Clatsop County) that existed from 1863 till 1947. (Corning, Howard McKinley
(ed) Dictionary of Oregon History (Portland, OR: Binfords & Mort, 1956) p 89)

In "June 1869 Puget Sound Earthquakes" I noticed a typo to N-Ore 2518 "Atkins & Shundy's" should be "Atkins & Shoudy's" (Morning Oregonian (Portland) Tues June 29, 1869 Page 2 Col 4)

FROM THE NORTH. Olympia, June 22. - Sunday [June 20] afternoon last a slight shock of earthquake was felt here, and this morning [June 22] about five o'clock another heavier one was felt. The last was heavy enough to wake those who were sleeping. The vibrations were from south to north, and lasted about 4 seconds. (Morning Oregonian (Portland) Wed June 23, 1869 Page 2 Col 3)

FROM THE NORTH ... Steilacoom, June 22. - About 4:30 this morning quite
a heavy shock of earthquake was felt at this place, shaking the building and waking these [sic] who were sleeping. (Morning Oregonian (Portland) Wed June 23, 1869 Page 2 Col 3)

THE W.T. EARTHQUAKE. - Mr. A. G. White, who comes from the Sound, reports that at Pumphrey's Landing, he was told that one day after the earthquake was felt on the Sound, the Indians came in and reported that the shock was severe at Mt. Rainier and caused a heavy land slide, which was confirmed by the fact that the waters of the Cowlitz were very muddy on Monday [June 21] and were still rily [sic?] on Wednesday [June 23], when Mr. White was there. (Morning Oregonian (Portland) Fri June 25, 1869 Page 3 Col 2)

FROM VANCOUVER. - We clip the following items from the [Vancouver, WA] Register of Saturday [June 26]. - The reported earthquake on the Sound, turns out to be nothing but a land-slide from the southwest side of Mt. Rainier. (Morning Oregonian (Portland) Mon June 28, 1869 Page 3 Col 1)

FROM THE NORTH. VICTORIA, June 29. -- .... A light shock of earthquake was felt in this city about eight o'clock Saturday [June 26 (sic likely Sun June 27)] evening. (Morning Oregonian (Portland) Wed June 30, 1869 Page 2 Col 3)

COMING OUR WAY. - A letter from J. E. Semple, U.S.A., dated Ft Stevens, June 27, says: "A distinct shock of an earthquake, causing oscillation of
the houses and lasting about a second, was felt at this post this evening (Sunday, June 27) at 8 o'clock." The people of the Pacific coast may well begin to shiver in their boots, when this steady-going old Webfoot begins to quake. (Morning Oregonian (Portland) Wed June 30, 1869 Page 3 Col 1)

There were no reports of the June 27, 1869 earthquake felt in Walla Walla and
Portland Vancouver, WA unknown because the July 3-10, 1869 issues of the
Vancouver (WA) Register are missing.

[June 27, 1869] EARTHQUAKE. - Mother Nature is becoming impatient with
our lethargic disposition, and took an opportunity last evening [June 27] at
8:05 to shake us up. The peculier [sic] subterranean disturbance was distinctly
perceptible to a number of our citizens, but particularly so to Messrs Moore
& Co., whose shelves were partially emptied by the unaccustomed movement a
number of Porcelain lamps being tossed on the floor produced the impression by
the crash that an opening had arrived for the Colony. No other disasters were
heard of, up to going to press, but several dwell[ings?] are emptied by their
occupants in double quick time. (The Daily British Colonist and Victoria
Chronicle Monday June 28, 1869 Page 3 Col 3)

[June 27, 1869] EARTHQUAKE. - On Sunday evening [June 27], at 8
o’clock, a sharp shock of earthquake was felt in this city. The
oscillations were from North to South, and were plainly felt, causing alarm in
some instances. It is thought by many to have been the heaviest shock felt here.
We observe by the Olympia papers that the shock was felt there at the same time.
Col 1 (Daily British Columbian (Victoria) Tues June 29, 1869 p 3 col 1)

[June 27, 1869 and others] EARTHQUAKES. - The towns on the Sound have
been visited by several shocks of earthquake; the last shock felt was on Sunday,
the 27th. No damage was done beyond badly scaring the people, and in
many instances driving them from their houses. These earthquakes following so
quickly on the election of Garfielde go to show that even nature is disgusted
with the result. (Walla Walla Statesman July 2, 1869 P 2 col 1)

[June 27?, 1869] We learn from the Pacific Tribune that the second shocks of
earthquake experienced in Olympia were felt simultaneously in Victoria. So
violent was one of these, that goods were shaken from the shelves in the stores;
porcelain vases and china were being thrown upon the floor and broken. (The
Vancouver Register (Vancouver, WA) Sat July 17, 1869 p 3 col 1 NOTE Issues
before and after missing)

Dear Ruth,

I went ahead and looked up San Francisco papers for June 1869 earthquakes.
Following are the entries I found. I have looked through all of the papers in
Washington, Oregon, and San Francisco for the June 1869 quake. I apologize for
sending the transcriptions to you piecemeal, I wasn't intending to do all
of the research at once. I also found a references to another earthquake fish
kill (Sept 9, 1875) and a few late 1860s earthquakes.

Greg Lange

[June 22, 1869] "SEATTLE, June 21st. [sic? June 22] - A
light shock of earthquake was felt at 5 o'clock this morning." (Daily
Alta California June 23, 1869 p 1 col 7)

Re: Oregonian account referenced N-Ore 2518. Apparently in the "June
1869 Puget Sound Earthquakes" the Oregonian and the Chronicle accounts got
reversed. Below are the transcriptions of both:

OREGONIAN

"SEATTLE, June 28. - Another shock of earthquake occurred last
night [June 27] about eight o'clock, much heavier than before known in
this vicinity. All the buildings on a line through the center of the town,
commencing at the Occidental Hotel and terminating at Messrs. Atkins &
Shoudy's wharf, were quite perceptibly shaken. No damage was done."
(Morning Oregonian Tues June 29, 1869 Page 2 Col 3)

"OLYMPIA, June 28. - Another heavier shock of earthquake than the
one of Tuesday [June 22] morning last was felt here last evening [June 27] at
eight o'clock, bringing everybody into the street and causing much
excitement. Another lighter one was felt by many, about midnight." (Morning
Oregonian Tues June 29, 1869 Page 2 Col 4) [NOTE: With minor variations same
account is in The Corvallis Gazette Saturday July 10, 1869 p 1 col 6 and in
Daily Alta California Tues June 29, 1869 p 1 col 5]

CHRONICLE

SEATTLE. Another Heavy Earthquake Shock. SEATTLE, June 28th.
- Another shock of earthquake occurred last night [June 27], about eight
o'clock, much heavier than any before known in this vicinity. All the
buildings on a line through the center of the town, commencing at the Occidental
Hotel and terminating at Messrs. Atkins & Shundy's [sic
Shoudy's] wharf, were quite perceptibly shaken. No damage done.

OLYMPIA. Two More Shocks of Earthquake. OLYMPIA, June 28th.
- Another heavier shock of earthquake than the one of Tuesday [June 22]
was felt last evening [June 27], at eight o'clock, bringing everybody into
the street and causing much excitement. Another lighter one was felt by many
about midnight. (The Daily Morning Chronicle (San Francisco) Tues June 29, 1869
p 1 col 1)

[June 27, 1869] "Victoria, June 29th ..... A light shock
of earthquake was felt in this city about 8 o'clock on Saturday [June 26
sic? Sunday June 27?] evening." (The Daily Morning Chronicle (San
Francisco) Wed June 30, 1869 p 3 col 3) [Also in Daily Alta California Wed June
30, 1869 p 1 col 7]

[June 27, 1869] "Oregon Items. A earthquake shock was felt at Astoria on
the 27th." (The Daily Morning Chronicle (San Francisco) July 11,
1869 p 1 col 4)

This might be Historic Seismicity Catalog #121

ANOTHER EARTHQUAKE FISH KILL

[Sept 9, 1875 (Seattle)] EARTHQUAKE. - A shock of earthquake is said to
have been felt in this city at half-past 10 o'clock last night [Sept 9].
This morning hundreds of dead fish were found on the beach and floating on the
water near the wharves. (Daily Pacific Tribune (Seattle) Friday Sept 10, 1875 p
3 col 2)

[Sept. 9, 1875 (Olympia)] THE EARTHQUAKE felt here one night last week [Sept
9?] was also felt at Olympia, from the same direction as that experienced in
Seattle, but without the killing of the fish. (Daily Pacific Tribune (Seattle)
Thursday Sept 16, 1875 p 3 col 1) (NOTE I did not look up Olympia papers)

June 13, 1869 CALIFORNIA EARTHQUAKE

[June 13, 1869] A shock of earthquake was felt at Humbolt [CA] on the
13th of June, at 9:15 P.M. (Daily Alta California Thur July 1, 1869 p
1 col 7)

NEW EARTHQUAKE (not in catalog)

February 8, 1868 EARTHQUAKE

[February 8, 1868] We understood a shock of an earthquake was felt on the
Snohomish river on the evening of the 8th. A House was moved a number
of inches from its foundation. (Weekly Intelligencer (Seattle) Monday Feb 17,
1868 p 3 col 2)

Checked The Weekly Message (Port Townsend) Feb 6-20, 1868 No mention of a
earthquake

Historic Seismicity Catalog #72 (date change to February 11, 1869) (I found
no reference to Feb 18, 1869 earthquake. I suspect the confusion, over the date,
was created by the Weekly Intelligencer Feb 22, 1869 notice) February 11, 1869
EARTHQUAKE

[February 11, 1869] SHOCK OF AN EARTHQUAKE. - On Thursday morning last
[Feb 11, 1869], at about 2 o'clock, a shock of an earthquake was felt at
this place. It lasted several seconds and was quite perceptibly felt. Indeed, it
created considerable alarm in the minds of some for the terrible experience of
San Francisco is not yet forgotten. The Weekly Message (Port Townsend) Wed. Feb
17, 1869 P 3 col 1

[Apparently the following earthquake description is referring to the one
described above. I found no mention of an earthquake in the Wed Feb 24, 1869
issue of The Weekly Message (Port Townsend)] Shock of an Earthquake. On Thursday
morning last, the Message states, at about two o'clock, a shock of an
earthquake was felt at Port Townsend. It lasted several seconds, and was quite
perceptibly felt. Indeed, it created considerable alarm in the minds of some,
for the terrible experience of San Francisco is not yet forgotten. (Weekly
Intelligencer Monday Feb 22, 1869 p 3 col 1)

I checked Feb 10 to Feb 13, 1869 The Daily British Colonist and Victoria
Chronicle and Wednesday Feb 24, 1869 issue of The Weekly Message (Port
Townsend). No mention of earthquake.

NEW EARTHQUAKE (not in catalog)

September 23, 1869 EARTHQUAKE

[September 23, 1869] BRITISH COLUMBIA ITEMS. (From the British Colonist.)
..... A shock of earthquake was felt in Victoria about half past 11
o'clock on Thursday [Sept 23] night. The undulations were from northeast
to southwest, were quite sensible, and lasted for about a quarter of a minute.
(Weekly Intelligencer Monday Sept 27, 1869 p 3 col 4)

No mention of an earthquake in The Weekly Message (Port Townsend) Sept 22,
1869 to Oct 6, 1869 and The Daily British Colonist and Victoria Chronicle Sept
23 to Sept 28, 1869.
 
Source ID Publication Pub Date Pub Details
7063  Consultant's Report, Greg Lange, 2004  2004   
Transcription: September 26, 1864 EVENTS

September 26, 1864 12:45 to 1:00 AM numerous sources
September 26, 1964 (Victoria) “between 5 and 6” AM (British Colonist September 27, 1964 p 3 col. 1)
October 29, 1864 (Victoria) about 6:55 AM (British Colonist October 31, 1864 p 3 col. 1 and November 3, 1864 p 3 col. 1 and November 7, 1864 p 3 col. 2)


Newspapers examined -
Puget Sound Herald (Steilacoom) - September 9, 1864 to October 24, 1864 (Issued every two weeks - complete) Note: No local news in November 7, 1864 issue
Pacific Tribune (Olympia) - September 10, 1864 to November 19, 1864 (Weekly - Missing October 29 else complete)
Washington Standard (Olympia) - September 10, 1864 to November 12, 1864 (Weekly - complete)
Statesman (Walla Walla) - September 23, 1864 to October 28, 1864 (Weekly - over half of text too light to read else complete)
Oregonian (Portland) - September 26, 1864 to October 10, 1864 (6 days a week - Oct. 1, 1864 missing else complete)
The Daily British Colonist (Victoria) - September 1, 1864 to November 11, 1864 (6 days a week - Missing November 10 else complete)
The British Columbian (New Westminster) - September 3, 1864 to November 23, 1864 (2 times per week - complete)
Statesman (Walla Walla) September 23 to October 28, 1864 (Weekly - most of text too light to read else complete)
*
Seattle Gazette - September, October, November 1864 issues are too dark to read on microfilm reel
____________________________________________________________________________________________

June 20-27, 1869 EVENTS

June 20, 1869 (Olympia) “about” 4 PM (Olympia Transcript June 26, 1869 p 3 col. 1) Other sources state in afternoon or during day.
June 21, 1869 [sic June 22] (Olympia) “a few minutes before” 5 AM (Olympia Transcript June 26, 1869 p 3 col. 1)
June 22, 1869 (Olympia) 4:30 to 5:00 AM. (Weekly Pacific Tribune June 26, 1869 p 3 col. 2) (Territorial Republican June 28, 1869 p 3 col. 1) (Morning Oregonian June 23, 1869 p 2 col 3) (Olympia Transcript June 26, 1869 p 3 col. 1)
June 23, 1869 [sic June 22] (Olympia) “about 5” AM. (Washington Standard June 26, 1869 p 2 col. 1)
June 27, 1869 8:00 to 8:05 PM numerous sources.
June 28, 1869 (Olympia) midnight (Oregonian June 29, 1869 p 2 col. 4)



Newspapers examined -
Daily British Colonist (Victoria) June 19, 1869 to July 6, 1869 (6 days a week - complete)
Daily British Columbian (Victoria) June 19, 1869 to July 3, 1869 (6 days a week - complete)
Washington Standard (Olympia) June 12, 1869 to July 31, 1869 (Weekly - complete)
Weekly Intelligencer (Seattle) June 21, 1869 to August 2, 1869 (Weekly - complete)
Morning Oregonian (Portland) June 21, 1869 to June 24, 1869 and June 28, 1869 to June 30, 1869 (6 days a week - complete)
Weekly Pacific Tribune (Olympia) June 26, 1869 to August 7, 1869 (Weekly - complete)
Port Townsend Weekly Message July 7, 1869 (Weekly - only issue, June issue missing)
Olympia Transcript June 26, 1869 and July 3, 1869 (Weekly)
Western Star (Steilacoom) July 17, 31, 1869 (only two issues)
Territorial Republican (Olympia) June 21, 1869 to July 12, 1869 (Weekly - complete)
_______________________________________________________________

December 7-19, 1880 EVENTS


December 7, 1880 5:55 to about 6:00 PM numerous sources
December 7 to 13, 1880 (Olympia) “six shakes within a week, three of which occured [sic] in the space of five hours last night” (Morning Oregonian December 15, 1880 p 1 col. 5)
December 12, 1880 (Portland) about 8:00 PM “a few minutes before 8 o’clock several lively vibrations were felt … and about an hour later quite a heavy shock was felt…” (Democratic Press December 16, 1880 p 2 col. 2)
December 12, 1880 8:00 PM, 8:30 to 8:47 PM, 9:00 PM numerous sources
December 13, 1880 (Olympia) evening “three [shakes] … occured [sic] in the space of five hours last night” (Morning Oregonian December 15, 1880 p 1 col. 5)
December 13, 1880 (New Tacoma) Evening (Weekly Ledger December 17, 1880)
December 19, 1880 (Vancouver, W.T.) Evening (Vancouver Independent December 23, 1880 p. 5 col. 2)



Newspapers examined -
Puget Sound Weekly Courier (Olympia) November 26, 1880 to January 7, 1881 (weekly - complete)
Democratic Press (Port Townsend) November 25, 1880 to December 30, 1880 (weekly - complete) Note: January 6, 1881 issue of Democratic Press missing
Puget Sound Argus (Port Townsend) November 26, 1880 to January 7, 1881 (weekly - complete)
Weekly Tacoma Ledger November 25, 1880 to February 18, 1881 (weekly - February 11, 1881 missing else complete)
Vancouver Independent (W.T.) December 2, 1880 to December 30, 1880 (weekly - complete)
Yakima Record December 4, 1880 to January 8, 1881 (weekly - January 1, 1881 missing else complete)
Oregonian (Portland) December 7, 1880 to January 4, 1881 (6 times per week - complete)
Washington Standard (Olympia) December 4 [sic 3], 1880 to January 28, 1881 (weekly - complete)
Seattle Weekly Post December 3, 1880 to January 28, 1881 (weekly - missing December 10, 24, 1880 and January 7, 1881 else complete)
Walla Walla Union December 11, 1880 to January 1, 1881 (weekly - complete)
New Northwest (Portland) December 9, 1880 to December 23, 1880 (weekly - complete)
*
Statesman (Walla Walla) UW reel missing
Willamette Farmer December 1880 (issues missing/not published)
Olympia Transcript (issues missing/not published)
Seattle Daily Intelligencer (December 4, 1880 to June 8, 1881 issues missing/not published)
Weekly Intelligencer (Seattle) (issues missing/not published)
Puget Sound Dispatch (Seattle) (issues missing/not published)
Tacoma Herald (issues missing/not published)
Fair Words (Olympia) (issues missing/not published)
________________________________________________________________________

April 30, 1882 EVENT and week following

April 30, 1882 10:40 PM to 11:05 PM numerous accounts
May 1-6, 1882 (Olympia) “Two or three slight shocks have also been felt during the week.” ( (Olympia Transcript May 6, 1882 p. 3 col. 1)
May 10, 1882 “Portland had three distinct shocks of an earthquake last Wednesday.” (Seattle Daily Chronicle May 15, 1882 p. 3 col. 2) NOTE: Check Portland papers to verify




Newspapers examined -
Olympia Transcript - April 22, 1882 to June 3, 1882 (Weekly - complete)
Washington Standard (Olympia) - April 21, 1882 to June 2, 1882 (Weekly - complete)
Seattle Daily Chronicle - April 21, 1882 to May 22, 1882 (6 days a week - complete)
Weekly Ledger (Tacoma) - April 21, 1882; April 28, 1882; June 2, 1882 (Wkly - only available issues)
Puget Sound Weekly Courier (Olympia) - April 21, 1882 to June 2, 1882 (Weekly - complete)
Seattle Post Intelligencer - April 20, 1882 to May 20, 1882 (6 times per week - complete)
*
Seattle Daily Herald (issues missing/not published)
Weekly Herald (Tacoma) (issues missing/not published)
________________________________________________________
March 7, 1891 EVENT

March 7, 1891 7:35 to 7:54 PM numerous sources

Newspapers examined -
Seattle Telegraph February 26, 1891 to April 9, 1891 (weekly - complete)
Tacoma Weekly News March 6, 1891 to March 20, 1891 (weekly - March 6, 1891 missing)
Tacoma Daily News March 9, 1891 to March 19, 1891 (6 times per week - complete)
Tacoma Morning Globe March 8, 1891 to March 13, 1891 (daily? - complete)
Tacoma Daily Ledger March 8, 1891 to March 11, 1891 (daily - complete)
Seattle Post-Intelligencer March 8, 1891 to March 17, 1891 (daily - complete)
Ellensburgh Capital March 5, 1891 to April 2, 1891 (weekly - complete)
Ellensburgh Localizer March 7, 1891 to March 28, 1891 (weekly - complete)
Snohomish Daily Sun March 2, 1891 to March 18, 1891 (6 times per week - complete)
*
Steilacoom News UW microfilm reel missing
Buckley Banner (issues missing/not published)
Tacoma Evening Call (issues missing/not published)
Tacoma Herald (issues missing/not published)
___________________________________________________________
November 24 to 29, 1891 EVENTS

November 24, 1891 (North Bend, Snoqualmie Pass) night (Seattle Telegraph November 28, 1891 p 3 col. 1)
November 29, 1891 (Seattle) “about 9” AM (Seattle Post Intelligencer November 30, 1891 p 8) NOTE: Only one witness
November 29, 1891 3:13 to 3:20, 3:35 PM numerous sources

Newspapers examined -
Sunday Herald (Tacoma) November 22, 1891 to December 6, 1891 (weekly - complete)
Tacoma Daily Ledger November 20, 1891 to November 30, 1891 (daily - complete) Note December 1891 issues missing/not published
Tacoma Daily News November 20, 1891 to December 3, 1891 (6 times per week & Thanksgiving on November 26, 1891 not published - complete)
Tacoma Morning Globe November 20, 1891 to December 4, 1891 (daily - complete)
Tacoma Evening Call November 20, 1891 to December 2, 1891 (6 times per week & Thanksgiving on November 26, 1891 not published - complete)
Seattle Telegraph November 20, 1891 to December 9, 1891 (6 times per week - complete Note: portions of December 5 too dark to read)
Ellensburg Capital November 19, 1891 to December 10, 1891 (weekly - complete)
Everett News December 11, 1891 to December 25, 1891 (weekly - complete) Note December 4, 1891 missing
Anacortes American November 19, 1891 to December 17, 1891 (weekly - complete)
Anacortes American December 5, 7, 11, 1891 (daily - only issues)
Seattle Press Times November 21, 1891 to December 12, 1891 (6 times per week - complete)
Seattle Post-Intelligencer December 20, 1891 to December 8, 1891 (daily - complete)
Anacortes Progress December 11, 1891 (weekly - only issue) Note December 4 & 18, 1891 missing/not published
*
Snohomish Daily Sun (issues missing/not published)
Snohomish Weekly Sun (issues missing/not published)
Port Townsend Leader (issues missing/not published)
Island County Times (issues missing/not published)
Ellensburg Localizer All issues missing/not published during November and December 1891)
______________________________________________________________________________
February 25, 1895 EVENTS

February 14, 1895 (no time) (Silver Creek, Lewis County) (see below)
February 25, 1895 4:30 to 4:50 AM numerous sources
February 25, 1895 (Fulton, east Lewis County) 4:45 AM (initial shock at 4:30 AM “followed by a slight shock fifteen minutes later” (Chehalis Bee March 1, 1895 p 2 col. 3)

ADDITIONAL ENTRIES
Feb 14, 1895 “Silver Creek, Lewis Co.: Slight earthquake shock on the 14th.” (Washington State Weather Service. Monthly Meteorological Report and Summary of the Washington State Weather Service Volume 4 #8 February 1895 p. 1)
Feb 25, 1895 “An earthquake shock was quite generally noticed in Western and Central Washington on the morning of the 25th about 4:30 o’clock.” “Ashford, Pierce co: Quite a severe earthquake occurred here on the twenty fifth at 4:27 A.M.” “Centerville, Klickitat Co: Feb. 25th, at half past four A.M., two earthquake shocks were felt very distinctly, one following immediately after the other. The first was stronger than the second.” (Washington State Weather Service. Monthly Meteorological Report and Summary of the Washington State Weather Service Volume 4 #8 February 1895 p. 1)

Newspapers examined -
Washington Standard (Olympia) February 22, 1895 to March 8, 1895 (weekly - complete)
Chehalis Nuggett February 22, 1895 to March 8, 1895 (weekly - complete)
Chehalis Bee March 1, 1895 to March 22, 1895 (weekly - complete)
People’s Advocate (Chehalis) February 22, 1895 to March 8, 1895 (weekly - complete)
Oregonian (Portland) February 18, 1895 to March 1, 1895 (daily - complete)
Seattle Post-Intelligencer February 26, 1895 to February 28, 1895 (daily - complete)
Sumner Herald (Pierce County) February 22, 1895 to March 22, 1895 (weekly - missing March 8, 22, 1895 else complete)
White River Journal (Kent) February 23, 1895 to March 9, 1895 (weekly - compete)
Aberdeen Herald February 21, 1895 to March 7, 1895 (weekly - complete)
Tacoma Herald February 16, 1895 to March 9, 1895 (weekly - complete)
Seattle Press Times February 25, 1895 to February 27, 1895 (daily - February 26, 1895 missing/not published else complete)
Palladium (Olympia) February 20, 1895 to March 20, 1895 (weekly - complete)
Snohomish County Tribune (Snohomish) March 1, 1895 to March 29, 1895 (weekly - complete)
*
Washingtonian (Hoquiam) UW microfilm reel missing
________________________________________________________________
March 13 to 16, 1903 EVENTS


March 13, 1903 6:21-6:40 PM numerous sources
March 16, 1903 (Tacoma) evening (Tacoma Semi Weekly News March 17, 1903 p 4 col 2) NOTE: Need to confirm by looking at other Tacoma newspapers.

ADDITIONAL ENTRY
Mar 13, 1903 Earthquake Shocks - Centralia, Grand Mound, Olympia, Seattle (Weather Bureau, US Department of Agriculture. Washington Section of the Climate and Crop Service of the Weather Bureau (Seattle, Weather Bureau) volume 6 #10 March 1903)


Newspapers examined -
Snohomish County Tribune (Snohomish) March 6, 1903 to March 27, 1903 (weekly - complete)
Washington Standard (Olympia) March 13, 1903 to April 17, 1903 (weekly - complete)
Seattle Post-Intelligencer March 14, 1903 to March 17, 1903 (daily - complete)
Port Orchard Independent March 7, 1903 to March 21, 1903 (weekly - complete)
White River Journal (Kent) March 7, 1903 to March 21, 1903 (weekly - complete)
Kitsap County Herald (Poulsbo) March 13, 1903 to March 20, 1903 (weekly - complete)
Tacoma Semi Weekly News March 13, 1903 to March 24, 1903 (2 times per week - complete)
Willapa Harbor Pilot (South Bend) March 20, 1903 to March 27, 1903 (weekly - complete)
*
Everett Herald UW microfilm copy very dark, unable to read
Index Miner (issues missing/not published)
Issaquah Independent (issues missing/not published)
Daily News Searchlight (Bremerton) (issues missing/not published)
Chehalis Bee Nugget (issues missing/not published)
Peoples Advocate (Chehalis) (issues missing/not published)
Olympia Chronicle (issues missing/not published)
Weekly Capital (Olympia) (issues missing/not published)
Spectator (Tacoma) (issues missing/not published)
Tacoma Times (issues missing/not published)
Union Record (Tacoma) (issues missing/not published)
Tacoma Daily News (issues missing/not published)
____________________________________________________________

September 5 to 11, 1903 EVENTS


September 5, 1903 (Castle Rock) “morning” (Tacoma Daily News September 12, 1903 p 2 col. 4) (Seattle Post-Intelligencer p. 1 col. 4)
September 11, 1903 3:30 to 3:50, 4:20 PM numerous sources

ADDITIONAL ENTRY
Sept 11, 1903 Earthquake Shocks - La Center at 3:50 p.m., South Bend at 3:30 pm (Weather Bureau, US Department of Agriculture. Washington Section of the Climate and Crop Service of the Weather Bureau (Seattle, Weather Bureau) volume 7 #4 September 1903)



Newspapers examined -
Skamania County Pioneer (Stevenson) September 3, 1903 to September 24, 1903 (weekly - complete)
Oregonian (Portland) September 12, 1903 to September 14, 1903 (daily - complete)
Willapa Harbor Pilot (South Bend) September 11, 1903 to September 25, 1903 (weekly - complete)
Kitsap County Herald (Poulsbo) September 11, 1903 to September 25, 1893 (weekly - complete)
Seattle Times September 12, 1903 only
Kitsap County Review (Bremerton) November 14 & 21, 1903 (weekly)
White River Journal (Kent) September 5, 1903 to September 19, 1903 (weekly - complete)
Tacoma Semi Weekly News September 8, 1903 to September 18, 1903 (twice a week - complete)
Port Orchard Independent September 12, 1903 to September 19, 1903 (weekly)
Tacoma Daily News September 11, 1903 to September 14, 1903 (6 times per week - complete)
Washington Standard (Olympia) September 11, 1903 to September 18, 1903 (weekly)
Seattle Post-Intelligencer September 12, 1903 to September 15, 1903 (daily - complete)
Buckley Banner September 11, 1903 to September 25, 1903 (weekly - Sept 18 missing else complete)
Aberdeen Herald September 14, 1903 to September 21, 1903 (2 times per week - complete)
*
Weekly Chronicle (Olympia) (issues missing/not published)
Weekly Capital (Olympia) (issues missing/not published)
Tacoma Times (issues missing/not published)
Sumner Index (issues missing/not published)
Sumner Herald (issues missing/not published)
Olympia Chronicle (issues missing/not published)
Issaquah Independent (issues missing/not published)
Chehalis Bee Nugget (issues missing/not published)
Daily Spectator (Tacoma) (issues missing/not published)
People’s Advocate (Chehalis) (issues missing/not published)
_________________________________________________________________

January 11 to February 8, 1909 EVENTS


January 11, 1909 3:30 to 4:30 PM Numerous sources
January 11, 1909 (Lopez) First tremor 4:30 PM Second tremor 20 minutes later (4:50 PM) (Friday Harbor Journal Jan 14, 1909 p 8 col. 4)
January 11, 1909 (Olga) First tremor 3:40 PM. Second tremor 40 minutes later (4:30 PM) (San Juan Islander January 16, 1909 p 8 col. 2)
January 11, 1909 (Friday Harbor) 10 PM (San Juan Islander January 16, 1909 p 1 col. 6)
January 11-12, 1909 (evening) (East Sound) “During the night there was a succession of light shocks …” (San Juan Islander January 16, 1909 p 8 col. 1)
January 12, 1909 (Friday Harbor) 12 midnight (San Juan Islander January 16, 1909 p 1 col. 6)
January 14, 1909 (Lopez) night “distant tremor … felt Thursday night” (Jan 14) “Several [tremors] have been reported since Monday.” (Friday Harbor Journal Jan 21, 1909 p 8 col. 6)
January 16, 1909 (East Sound) 7:25 PM (Friday Harbor Journal Jan 21, 1909 p 8 col. 4)
January 29, 1909 (West Sound) 3 AM (Friday Harbor Journal Feb 4, 1909 p 8 col. 3) (Lopez) 3:30 AM (Friday Harbor Journal February 4, 1909 p 8 col. 5)
February 4, 1909 (Lopez) 1:40 AM (Friday Harbor Journal February 11, 1909 p 8 col. 5)
February 8, 1909 (West Sound) Monday (Feb 8) night (Friday Harbor Journal February 11, 1909 p 8 col. 4)


ADDITIONAL ENTRIES
Jan 11, 1909 Earthquakes - Anacortes, Baker, Bellingham, Blaine, Coupeville, East Sound, Granite Falls, Olga, Olympia, Port Townsend, Vashon Island (Weather Bureau, US Department of Agriculture. Washington Section of the Climatological Service of the Weather Bureau (Portland Oregon, Weather Bureau) volume 13 #1 January 1909)
Jan 21, 1909 Earthquakes - Lakeside, Rex Creek [Chelan County] (Weather Bureau, US Department of Agriculture. Washington Section of the Climatological Service of the Weather Bureau (Portland Oregon, Weather Bureau) volume 13 #1 January 1909)

Newspapers examined -
San Juan Islander (Friday Harbor) January 7, 1909 to February 12, 1909 (weekly - Jan 30, 1909 missing else complete)
Friday Harbor Journal January 7, 1909 to March 4, 1909 (weekly - complete)
Anacortes American January 7, 1909 to February 11, 1909 (weekly - complete)
American Reville (Bellingham) January 10, 1909 to January 30, 1909 (6 times per week - complete)
Everett Herald January 11, 1909 to January 18, 1909 (6 times per week - complete)
Arlington Times January 16, 1909 to February 13, 1909 (weekly - complete)
*
Island County Times (Coupeville) (issues missing/not published)
Blaine Journal (January 1909 issues missing/not published)
_________________________________________________________

July 29, 1913 EVENT


July 29, 1913 (Mt Rainier) 8:15 AM (Tacoma Daily News July 29, 1913 p 1 col 1; July 30, 1913 p 2 col 4) (Tacoma Tribune July 30, 1913 p 1 col. 1) (Buckley Banner Aug 1, 1913 p 3 col 2)

Newspapers examined -
Puyallup Herald August 1, 1913 to August 15, 1913 (Weekly - complete)
Buckley Banner July 25, 1913 to August 15, 1913 (Weekly - complete)
Sumner Index July 25, 1913 to August 8, 1913 (Weekly - complete)
Washington Standard (Olympia) August 1 & 8, 1913 (Weekly)
Tacoma Daily News July 29, 30, 1913 (Daily)
Tacoma Tribune July 29, 1913 & July 30, 1913 (page 1 only)
*
Lewis County Clarion (Centralia) (July-August 1913 issues missing/not published)
Tacoma Times (July-August 1913 issues missing/not published)
Tacoma Daily Ledger (July-August 1913 issues missing/not published)
Olympia Chronicle (July-August 1913 issues missing/not published)
Washington Saturday Review (July-August 1913 issues missing/not published)
Morton Mirror (issues missing/not published)
________________________________________________________
November 21, 1916 EVENT


November 21, 1916 (Everett, Anacortes) 11:30 AM numerous sources



Newspapers examined -
Arlington Times November 16, 1916 to November 30, 1916 (weekly - November 16, 1916 missing)
Concrete Herald November 18, 1916 to December 6, 1916 (weekly - complete)
Everett Herald November 21, 22, 1916 (daily)
Oak Harbor News November 24, 1916 to December 1, 1916 (weekly)
Anacortes American November 16, 1916 to December 7, 1916 (weekly - complete)
Friday Harbor Journal November 23, 30, 1916 (weekly)
*
Skagit News (Mount Vernon) (issues missing/not published)
Mount Vernon Herald (issues missing/not published)
Mount Vernon Argus (issues missing/not published)
Skagit County Times (issues missing/not published)
Guemes Beachcomber (issues missing/not published)
___________________________________________________
January 23 to 24, 1920 EVENTS


January 23, 1920 (Victoria, BC) 9:00 PM Recorded on Victoria seismograph (unknown if felt by residents) (Anacortes American January 29, 1920 p 1 col. 5-6)
January 23, 1920 11:00 to 11:12 PM numerous sources
January 24, 1920 (Victoria, BC) 2:00 AM Recorded on Victoria seismograph (unknown if felt by residents) (Anacortes American January 29, 1920 p 1 col. 5-6)



Newspapers examined -
Friday Harbor Journal January 29 & February 5, 1920. Also March 1920 weather summary in March 4, 1920 issue (weekly)
Anacortes American January 22, 1920 to February 12, 1920 (weekly - complete) February 19, 1920 page one only (rest of issue missing)
Port Townsend Weekly Leader January 29, 1920 to February 19, 1920 (weekly - complete)
Oak Harbor News January 16, 1920 (weekly - last issue)
Island County Farm Bureau News (Oak Harbor) January 23, 1920 to February 13, 1920 (weekly - complete)
*
Port Angeles Daily Herald (issues missing/not published)
Mount Vernon Daily Herald (issues missing/not published)
Bellingham American (issues missing/not published)
Stanwood News (issues missing/not published)
_________________________________________________________-
December 4, 1926 EVENT

December 4, 1926 5:55 to 5:57 AM numerous sources



Newspapers examined -
Friday Harbor Journal December 2, 1926 to December 30, 1926 (weekly - complete)
Anacortes American December 9, 1926 to December 23, 1926 (weekly - complete)
Port Townsend Leader December 3, 1926 to December 17, 1926 (weekly - complete)
Bellingham American December 4, 1926 only issue examined
*
Anacortes Daily Mercury (issues missing/not published)
Olympic Tribune (Port Angeles) (issues missing/not published)
____________________________________________________________
 
Source ID Publication Pub Date Pub Details
6072  Washington Standard  1869  1869, June 26 Saturday (Weekly) P: 2 C: 1 
Transcription: A slight shock of an earthquake was felt last Sunday about 5(?) o’clock p.m. and one quite violent Wednesday morning about 5 o’clock. The bitter was we learn also felt at Steilacoom and Seattle. It is said that Mount Baker has been unusual by active the past few days, if the smoke surrounding its top is an index of its volcanic nature. Aside from the novelty of the occurrence, and consequent comment thereon, no impression appears to be produced upon the community by this unusual phenomena.
 
Source ID Publication Pub Date Pub Details
2550  Pacific Tribune  1869  June 26, 1869, Sat., p. 3, c. 2 
Transcription: A Veritable earthquake
Until the present week we were incredulous concerning earthquakes in Washington Territory: attributing the shocks reported in former years to falling trees or other causes. A residence of nearly twelve years on Puget Sound failed to convince us that the reports, which we could trace to but a very few persons, had any foundation in truth. That such things may have happened, though we were present and unconscious of their occurrence, we will no longer question.
On Sunday afternoon last a slight shock, perceptible to comparatively few of our people, was felt in Swantown and Olympia. It was reserved for Tuesday morning, however, to afford a demonstration which not only convinced the most skeptical, but one which terrified all who are in the least inclined to timidity. At a few minutes before five o'clock, on the last named morning, a shock was felt which awaked from the soundest slumbers nearly all who had not yet arisen, and seriously alarmed those who were astir at that hour, many of whom felt an earthquake then for the first time. Some who were sleeping precipitately arose from their beds; others were unnerved to such a degree as to be incapable of moving for some minutes. All were more or less startled. The impressions of the persons who were awake at the time differ so widely that we cannot state with measurable certainty the course of the earthquake. It was feared by many that San Francisco had been visited by a destructive earthquake simultaneously with the shock felt here; but happily this fear proved groundless. Many were frightened, but nobody hurt, and we have no damage to chronicle.
A somewhat remarkable event, which probably has some connection with the earthquake, is said to have occurred in the Cowlitz river, on Monday, the day previous. Mr. R.H. Howe, the telegraph operator at Pumphrey's, sent word over the wires that that river, which is noted for the particular clearness and placidity of its waters, was disturbed by some cause unknown to the people; the water becoming suddenly very muddy throughout the entire river, and remaining so for some time. This was observed by persons living in the vicinity, and excited much wonder and comment.
 
Source ID Publication Pub Date Pub Details
2517  Daily British Columnist  1869  Tuesday, June 29, 1869, Tues., pg. 3, c. 1 
Transcription: The earthquake of Sunday evening was ___ felt on the Sound. At Olympia and Seattle people rushed from the hotels and dwellings into the streets; but it appears that during the previous week there were ___ sharp shocks which were not felt at Victoria. The `Pacific Tribune says:-"on ___nday afternoon last a slight shock, perceptible to comparatively few of our people, was felt in Swantown and Olympia. It was ____ for Tuesday morning, however, to ____ demonstration which not only convinced the most skeptical, but one which terrified all who are in the least inclined to timidity. At a few minutes before five o'clock on the last named morning, a shock was felt which awaked from the soundest slumbers nearly all who had not yet arisen, and seriously alarmed those who were astir that hour, many of whom felt an earthquake then for the first time. A somewhat remarkable event, which probably has some connection with the earthquake, is said to have occurred in the Cowlitz River on Monday, the day previous. Mr. R.H. Howe, the telegraph operator at Pumphrey's, sent word by wires that that river, which is noted for the particular clearness and placidity of its waters, was disturbed by some cause unknown to the people; the water becoming ____ very muddy throughout the entire day and remaining for some time. This was observed by persons living in the vicinity and excited much wonder and comment.
 
Source ID Publication Pub Date Pub Details
2602  Territorial Republican  1869  Monday June 28, 1869 p 3 col 1 
Transcription: AN EARTHQUAKE. - Earthquakes are becoming disagreeably frequent throughout the Pacific coast and the Islands of the seas and the experience of the past twelve months gives terror to the very name. Not to be behind others part of the word [sic?] we have had an earthquake too - a genuine quake. A distinct shock was felt here a few minutes before 5 o'clock on Tuesday morning last, of a few seconds duration, but it had the effect of rousing the people somewhat suddenly. There are about as many opinions prevailing regarding it as there were individuals who experienced the shock, so that it makes any theory regarding it rather vague and indefinite. It is generally thought that its oscilation [sic] was from east to west and good proofs are given in support of that belief. We have no report of damages nor loss of life to chronicle, but some timid ones were a little unnerved by the shock. As far as we are informed the jar was felt all over the Territory this side of the Cascades, but harder here than elsewhere. A slight tremor is reported to have been felt here on the Sunday previous. About five years ago a shock was felt on the Sound which roused the sleepers in some places and brought them out in their night garments to learn the cause of the disturbance. Earthquakes seem to be traveling northward; but it is all right we won't take any more in ours.

P.S. - Just as we go to press, 8 o'clock Sunday evening, another shock of several seconds duration was felt, thought to be even heavier than the one of Tuesday morning. This time the oscillation was plainly felt, from north to south. Let her quake.
 
Source ID Publication Pub Date Pub Details
2517  Daily British Columnist  1869  Tuesday, June 29, 1869, Tues., pg. 3, c. 1 
Transcription: The earthquake of Sunday evening was ___ felt on the Sound. At Olympia and Seattle people rushed from the hotels and dwellings into the streets; but it appears that during the previous week there were ___ sharp shocks which were not felt at Victoria. The `Pacific Tribune says:-"on ___nday afternoon last a slight shock, perceptible to comparatively few of our people, was felt in Swantown and Olympia. It was ____ for Tuesday morning, however, to ____ demonstration which not only convinced the most skeptical, but one which terrified all who are in the least inclined to timidity. At a few minutes before five o'clock on the last named morning, a shock was felt which awaked from the soundest slumbers nearly all who had not yet arisen, and seriously alarmed those who were astir that hour, many of whom felt an earthquake then for the first time. A somewhat remarkable event, which probably has some connection with the earthquake, is said to have occurred in the Cowlitz River on Monday, the day previous. Mr. R.H. Howe, the telegraph operator at Pumphrey's, sent word by wires that that river, which is noted for the particular clearness and placidity of its waters, was disturbed by some cause unknown to the people; the water becoming ____ very muddy throughout the entire day and remaining for some time. This was observed by persons living in the vicinity and excited much wonder and comment.
 
Source ID Publication Pub Date Pub Details
2601  The Olympia Transcript  1869  June 26, 1869 (Sat) P 3 Col 1 
Transcription: EARTHQUAKE SHOCKS. -A slight shock of an earthquake was felt on Sunday afternoon about four o'clock. On Monday morning, a few minutes before five, a very perceptible one occurred, sufficient to startle a few folks out of bed, and half out of mind; crockery rattled on the shelves, and lamps and other hanging articles took a swing. It apparently came from the southwest, and was seeking to get up an excitement. We are satisfied with the experiment, and don't want any more until after the Fourth.
 
Source ID Publication Pub Date Pub Details
2600  Washington Standard  1869  Sat June 26, 1869 P 2 Col 1 
Transcription: A slight shock of an earthquake was felt last Sunday about 4 o'clock P.M., and one quite violent Wednesday morning about 5 o'clock. The latter was, we learn, also felt at Steilacoom and Seattle. It is said that Mount Baker has been unusually active the past few days if the smoke surrounding its top is an index of its volcanic nature. Aside from the novelty of the occurrence, and the consequent comment thereon, no impression appears to be produced upon the community by this unusual phenomenon.
 
Source ID Publication Pub Date Pub Details
1980  Oregonian  1869  June 25, 1869; pg 3 
Transcription: Puget Sound. The Washington Territory Earthquake
Mr. A.G. White, who comes from the Sound reports that at Pumphrey's Landing he was told that 1 day after the earthquake the Indians came in and reported that the shock was severe at Mt Rainier and caused a heavy landslide which was confirmed by the fact that the waters of the Cowlitz were very muddy on Monday and were still rily on Wednesday when Mr. White was there.

[Pumphrey's landing is near present-day Olequa, at the junction of Olequa Creek and the Cowlitz River, about 7 miles north of Castle Rock. (from 'Cowlitz Corridor', 1953, John McClelland, 64p.)]
 
Source ID Publication Pub Date Pub Details
7115  Daily Alta California  1869  June 23, 1869, p. 1, c. 7 
Transcription: Earthquake shocks at Seattle, Olympia and Steilacoom
SEATTLE, June 21st. – A slight shock of earthquake was felt at 5 o’clock this morning.
OLYMPIA, June 22d. Sunday afternoon last a slight shock of earthquake was felt here, and this morning, about 5 o’clock, another heavier one was felt. The last was heavy enough to wake those who were sleeping. The vibrations were from south to north, and lasted about four seconds.
STEILACOOM, June 22d. About 4:30 this morning quite a heavy shock of earthquake was felt at this place shaking the buildings and waking those who were sleeping.
 
Source ID Publication Pub Date Pub Details
7116  Morning Oregonian  1869  June 23, 1869, Wed. p2, c.3 
Transcription: FROM THE NORTH
Olympia, June 22. Sunday afternoon last a slight shock of earthquake was felt here, and this morning about five o’clock another heavier one was felt. The last was heavy enough to wake those who were sleeping. The vibrations were from south to north, and lasted about 4 seconds.
Steilacoom, June 22. About 4:30 this morning quite a heavy shock of earthquake was felt at this place, shaking the building and waking those who were sleeping.
 


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