The Earthquake. Charleston, September 1, 1886

Subtitle: Poems and Prose Sketche

Series: The Old Soldier's Story

James Whitcomb Riley

This poem describes a devastating earthquake that struck Charleston on September 1, 1886. The quake caused widespread destruction and loss of life, with buildings collapsing and fires breaking out throughout the city. The poem conveys the chaos and panic that ensued, with people running for their lives as the earth shook beneath them. The speaker describes the scene in vivid detail, painting a picture of utter devastation. The earthquake's impact is likened to a "great calamity" that has befallen the city, leaving behind a trail of destruction and despair.... AI Generated Content

~1886 CE

Available in: English