December 3, 1990

Schools and businesses closed while families stocked up on supplies. This date was predicted to see a gigantic earthquake along the New Madrid Fault. Nothing happened. (Read about first-hand accounts of the cataclysmic series of New Madrid Fault earthquakes from 1811-1812.)

This post was contributed by Ross Malone. A historian and a retired school teacher, Ross has authored many books about Missouri’s history, weird facts, and folk tales. He has also written children’s  historical fiction. Visit his website, and buy his books in the Missouri Life store.

Photo courtesy U.S. Geological Survey