Moments in time: Earthquakes in the U.S.
The History Channel
On Dec. 14, 1799, President George Washington dies. Two days earlier, he rode out into freezing sleet to survey business affairs on his estate. He returned home late for dinner and refused to change out of his wet clothes. The next day he developed a severe respiratory infection and died the following day.
On Dec. 16, 1811, the greatest series of earthquakes in U.S. history begins near New Madrid, Missouri, when an earthquake estimated at 8.6 magnitude slams the region. The quake raised and lowered parts of the Mississippi Valley by as much as 15 feet and changed the course of the Mississippi River.
On Dec. 18, 1865, following its ratification by three-quarters of the states, the 13th Amendment is formally adopted into the U.S. Constitution, ensuring that "neither slavery nor involuntary servitude ... shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their jurisdiction."
On Dec. 13, 1916, a powerful avalanche kills hundreds of Austrian soldiers in a barracks near Italy's Mount Marmolada. Over several days, avalanches killed an estimated 10,000 Austrian and Italian soldiers.
On Dec. 17, 1961, a fire at a circus in Brazil kills more than 300 people and severely burns 500 more. The fire may have been caused by sparks from a train passing nearby. There were 2,500 people in attendance, and many were trampled.
On Dec. 15, 1988, singer James Brown, the "Godfather of Soul," begins serving a six-year prison sentence in South Carolina. Already on probation, Brown's reckless spree on Sept. 24 resulted in numerous criminal charges, including assault and battery with intent to kill.
On Dec. 19, 1998, the House of Representatives approves two articles of impeachment against President Bill Clinton, charging him with lying under oath to a federal grand jury and obstructing justice. Later, after being acquitted, Clinton said he was "sorry."
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