1886 Charleston Earthquake - Fig. 55
1886 Charleston, SC Earthquake Photo
"German Lutheran Church, Charleston, looking N.W." This Howland photograph evidently was shot several weeks after the August 31, 1886, earthquake because the sheds are still in place around the perimeter of Marion Square. Literally thousands of Charleston residents occupied Marion Square and other parks and open areas in Charleston following the great earthquake. They chose not to return to their houses during the night, fearing that additional earthquake tremors would bring their dwelling down on them. The scene in this photograph catches this untoward way of life before the last of the makesshift shanties were dissembled and thier occupants returned to their homes or other more permanent places of shelter. (South Caroliniana Library Archives)

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