1862

Date Unknown

USDC, 41-1, p. 157, 1970 ed.

GOLETA, SANTA BARBARA COUNTIES. Horses and cattle frightened, trees swayed; difficult to stand (2) (Letter of Walter Nordhoff to Harry O. Wood).

We find no further information to determine if this was a local earthquake or perhaps related to any of several earthquakes felt in southern California in May and June. Ed.

1869

Apr 16

Historical Writings, by Edwin M. Sheridan. Vol. 5 pp. 113.

SANTA BARBARA. Severe shock.

1872

Feb. 6

BSSA, Vol. 29, no. 1, p. 57.

Santa Barbara. "The first shock for fifteen years." - B.MS. (There are shocks recorded, 1857, March 14, 1858, September 2, and 1860, April 16, within the period of fifteen years; but none from 1860 to 1872 - twelve years - E.S.H.)

Earthquake at Santa Barbara; bells rung, barrels rolled, and things generally trembled. (T&W).

Thompson and West give the date as Feb. 7, however we are inclined to believe the date in TA. No time given. Ed.

1872

Dec 5

The Santa Barbara Daily Press, Vol. 1, n. 75.

EARTHQUAKE. A slight shock of earthquake was felt at twelve oÕclock today. The motion was from north to south, and of about half a minuteÕs duration.

1872

Dec. 6, 7

Ventura Signal, Vol. 2, no. 34.

A few nervous persons here imagined they felt the tremor of a "temblor de tierra" Thursday am.

1873

Oct 8

Ventura Signal, Vol. 3, no. 26; Santa Barbara Daily Press, vol. II, no. 78 (Oct. 11, 1873).

VENTURA ITEMS. A slight earthquake shock was felt Wedn. last, about 11 oÕclock am.

1875

May 18

The Santa Barbara Daily Press, V. III, No. 272 (Wednesday, May 19, 1875)

THE EARTHQUAKE - A DOUBTFUL COMPLIMENT TO SANTA BARBARA. Santa Barbara seems to be the only place in California which felt the earthquake of the 18th May (last evening) for the Press sent inquiries all over the State this morning, and the telegraph operator informs us that no other point felt it, except a slight vibration in San Buenaventura. It was but slight in the Goleta neighborhood.

THE EARTHQUAKE. At eight minutes before eight oÕclock last evening there was quite a sharp earthquake shock felt in Santa Barbara by such persons as were sitting in the house. We have inquired of about twenty of our business houses and find the impression almost entirely unanimous that the direction was from the north to the south, or from the Inyo region to the ocean. The motion was only slightly lateral, and chiefly undulating. Two or three shocks in very rapid succession could be distinguished. The motion was much like that produced by the passage of a huge truck, heavily laden, over a rough cobblestone street. Several gentlemen who were outdoors at the time, heard a distant roaring noise from the north, and as they turned their heads to see what it might mean, they felt the shock, and a moment afterward heard a quick, explosive sound at sea. No damage done.

Ventura Signal, Vo. 5, No. 5 (Saturday, May 22, 1875)

SAN BUENAVENTURA, VENTURA CO. A slight earthquake shock was felt in this city by 2 or 3 citizens on the evening of the 18th inst. (sic). The Press gives the following account of it at Santa Barbara: "At 8 minutes before 8:00 last evening, there was quite a large earthquake shock felt in Santa Barbara by such persons as were sitting in the house. We have inquired of about 20 of our business houses and find the impression almost unanimous that the direction was from the North to the South, or from the Suyo region to the ocean. The motion was only slightly lateral, and chiefly undulating. Weights on scales and hanging lamps gave the direction of the wave. 2 or 3 shocks in rapid succession could be distinguished. The motion was much like that produced by the passage of a huge truck, heavily laden, over a rough cobblestone street. Several gentlemen who were out of doors at the time heard a distinct roaring noise from the north, and as they turned their heads to see what it might mean they felt the shock, and a moment afterwards heard a quick explosive would at sea. No damage was done.." Another shock was felt here at 4:00 AM on the 20th inst. (sic).

1875

May 20

The Santa Barbara Daily Press, V. III, No. 273 (Thursday, May 20, 1875).

ANOTHER EARTHQUAKE, AND UNSEASONABLE. At the unseasonable hour of one minute to four oÕclock this morning, Santa Barbara was honored with a rather unceremonious rapping at all doors by another earthquake. This call was almost identical with that of Tuesday evening, though it seemed rather more forcible and rude.

1875

Dec 20

The Santa Barbara Daily Press, Vol. IV (Tuesday, Dec. 21, 1875).

LOCAL BREVITIES. There was a slight shock of earthquake last night running, apparently, from northwest to southeast. It only lasted about five minutes.

1876

May 17

The Santa Barbara Daily Press, Vol. IV, no. (?) (Thursday, May 18, 1876)

HOME AFFAIRS. LOCAL BREVITIES. A shock of earthquake occurred last night six minutes before nine oÕclock. It was not one of the growling kind, but came silently like a thief in the night and after having a lively time with the bricks and mortar, quietly subsided.

1876

Jul 12

The Ventura Signal, Vol. 6, no. 13 (Jul. 15, 1876).

A slight earthquake shock was felt by many of our citizens on Wednesday evening at about 9:00. The vibrations continued about 40 seconds causing windows to tremble. No one was frightened and no damage was done. Those who were upstairs or lying down felt it most. It was the most decided shock that has been experienced since 1867.

The Santa Barbara Daily Press, Vol. V, no. 14 (Monday, Jul. 17, 1876).

VENTURA COUNTY ITEMS. The Signal says of the earthquake shock felt there (at Newhall) on Wednesday evening: "The vibration continued about forty seconds causing the windows to tremble. No one was frightened and no damage was done. It was the most decided shock that has been experienced since 1867.

1877

Apr 9

The Santa Barbara Daily Press, Vol. V, No. 274 (Wednesday, Apr. 11, 1877)

CONDENSED TELEGRAMS. A shock of an earthquake was experienced at San Luis Obispo on Monday morning at about six oÕclock. The oscillations lasted but a few seconds. The shock was sharp and distinctly felt. The passage was from east to west, and no damage of consequence resulted.

The Ventura Free Press, Vol. 2, No. 23 (Saturday, Apr. 14, 1877)

San Luis Obispo was visited by a slight shock of earthquake last Monday morning.

1877

Aug 3

The Santa Barbara Daily Press, Vol. VI, No. 60 (Monday, Aug. 6 1877)

CITY AND COUNTY NEWS. On Friday morning last, a slight shock of an earthquake was felt at Lompoc. It is looked upon as an indication of early rains.

1877

Sep 26

The Santa Barbara Daily Press, Vol. VI, No. 105 (Thursday, Sep. 27, 1877).

CITY AND COUNTY NEWS. A shock of an earthquake was felt last evening between half past 10 oÕclock and 11 oÕclock. It lasted for several seconds, and seemed to take a direction almost due north and south.

1878

Jan 7

The Santa Barbara Daily Press, Vol. VI, No. 190 (Tuesday, Jan. 8, 1878).

SHOTS AND FLASHES. Slight earthquake shock felt last night about 10 oÕclock.

1878

Jun 11

History of Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties, California, Thompson & West

Severe earthquake shock.

1878

Nov 1

The Santa Barbara Daily Press, Vol. VII, No. 91 (Friday, Nov. 1, 1878).

BREVITIES. Strong shock of earthquake this morning at 20 minutes past 11 oÕclock. Oscillation from north to south. Buildings shaken and the populace set on the "qui vive".

1879

Aug 10

The Santa Barbara Daily Press, Vol. VIII, No. 17 (Friday, Aug. 15, 1879).

A slight shock of earthquake was felt at Santa Monica Canon between one and two oÕclock on Sunday. A very slight shock was also felt, about the same time, in this city.

BSSA, Vol. 29, no. 1, p. 62.

1:15 p.m. IV? V? San Fernando. Quite Severe. A very light shock at Los Angeles. Tidal wave at Santa Monica. - C.G.R.

1880

Mar 21

The Santa Barbara Daily Press, Vol. VIII, No. 204 (Wednesday, Mar. 24, 1880).

NEWS AND GOSSIP. At 6:25 on Sunday morning a sharp shock of an earthquake was felt in this city, and for a few minutes nervous people were considerably disturbed. No damage was done, but things were considerably shaken up. But a single shock was experienced, which appeared to be like two great bodies coming together with great force. The vibration was slight, but what there was appeared to be from north-east to south-west.

BSSA, Vol. 29, no. 1, p. 63.

6:25 a.m. V. Los Angeles. A heavy shock - MWR (March 1880, p. 16).

1880

Apr 12

The Ventura Signal, Vol. 10, No. 1 (Saturday, Apr. 17, 1880)

Three distinct shocks of earthquake were felt here at 4:00 Monday morning.

BSSA, Vol. 29, no. 1, p. 63.

8:03 a.m. V. San Buenaventura, Ventura Co. Severe shock. - S.F. Chronicle, April 13, 1880.

(Same earthquake?? Ed.)

1880

May 25

The Santa Barbara Daily Press, Vol. VIII, No. 255 (Thursday, May 27, 1880).

THE NEWS IN A NUTSHELL. An earthquake was felt at San Luis Obispo Tuesday morning.

1880

May 31

The Ventura Signal, Vol. 10, No. 8 (Saturday, Jun 5, 1880)

A heavy shock of earthquake occurred at San Luis Obispo May 31. It was preceded by a hollow rumbling noise and lasted about 15 seconds, followed by another light shock.

The Lompoc Record, Vol. 6, no. 10 (Jun 5, 1880).

A sharp earthquake shock occurred at San Luis Obispo at 4:25 on Monday morning. The vibration was east and west.

1880

Nov 13

History of Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties, California, Thompson & West

Sharp earthquake at Santa Barbara.

The Santa Barbara Daily Press, Vol. IX, No. 38 (Monday, Nov 15, 1880).

THE CITY. A sharp shock of earthquake visited Santa Barbara last Saturday night at about half-past 10. Its course was from north-west to south-east, and the vibration lasted several seconds. It gave the city a very lively shaking up, but occasioned no further damage.

The Ventura Signal, Vol. 10, No. 32 (Saturday, Nov. 20, 1880).

Ventura had no earthquake (emphasis ours, Ed.)

1881

Feb 2

CDMG, 1981, p. 157.

Several chimneys, an adobe storeroom, and one end of an adobe barn were knocked down at Imusdale, San Luis Obispo County (VIII MM). Imusdale is located at the north end of Cholame Valley. Large cracks running across the road were reported at Mr. Parkinson's place, which might indicate rupture on the San Andreas fault.

The Santa Barbara Daily Press, Vol. IX, No. 102 (Wednesday, Feb. 2, 1881).

EARTHQUAKES COMING. Quite an accident was caused at Paso Robles Springs, San Luis Obispo County, by two shocks of earthquake at 3:04 p.m., one at 9:00 p.m. and a sharp one at midnight. There was also quite a distinct shock at 4:00 this a.m.

1881

May 27

The Santa Barbara Daily Press, Vol. IX, No. 199 (Friday, May 27, 1881).

A slight shock of earthquake was felt at this place at 12:45 this morning. It was not heavy enough to do any damage, but it woke up a great many.

1881

Aug 30

The Santa Barbara Daily Press, Vol. IX, No. 296 (Wednesday, Aug. 31, 1881).

Two slight shocks of earthquake occurred last evening at seven oÕclock. No damage was done, and indeed they were so light that not more than half the people in the city noticed them.

1881

Sep

History of Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties, California, Thompson & West

A flaming meteor descended into the ocean near Santa Barbara.

1882

Mar 6

CDMG, 1981, p. 157.

A few panes of glass were broken (VI MM) in Salinas and many people rushed into the streets in Santa Cruz. The epicenter of this earthquake was probably to the east of Hollister, because of the relatively strong effects at Merced and Charleston. (CDMG assigned M5.7. Ed.)

The Santa Barbara Daily Press, Vol. X, No. 136 (Monday, Mar. 13, 1882).

(From the San Luis Tribune). Last Monday afternoon a slight but distinct shock of earthquake was felt in this city (San Luis Obispo. Ed. ). The vibrations were nearly north and south.

(These two reports may represent two separate earthquakes. Ed.)

1882

Jun 12

The Santa Barbara Daily Press, Vol. X, No. 219 (Monday, Jun. 19, 1882).

VENTURA ITEMS. On Monday night last, a smart shock of earthquake rattled the dishes and things, and scared nervous people here-abouts. No harm was done.

1883

Sep 5

0430 hrs

Isoseismal Map

CDMG, 1981, p. 157.

Plaster fell at Santa Barbara (VI MM) and bottles were upset at Los Alamos (V-VI MM). No aftershocks were reported. The distribution of intensities is similar to that of the 29 June 1925 earthquake. (CDMG assigned M6.0. Ed.).

USDC

Earthquake at Ventura at 0430.

BSSA, Vol. 29, no. 1, p. 66.

4h 30m (2:30 p.m.) VI. Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, Wilmington, and San Buenaventura. - C.G.R. (The shock was much stronger at Ventura than at Los Angeles. - Sacramento Union, September 6, 1883). (Something strange about the 2:30 p.m. time given here unless it is a separate earthquake, such as the next one. Ed.)

The Santa Barbara Daily Press, Vol. XV, No. 48 (Wednesday, Sep. 5, 1883).

THE EARTHQUAKE. This morning at 15 minutes past four a slight shock of earthquake was felt by those wakeful enough to notice it. Five seconds later it was succeeded by a heavier one which lasted over a quarter of a minute. The waves or oscillations were regular and more like a smooth rocking than the spasmatic jolts sometimes felt, they seemed to pass north and south. Many clocks were stopped and crockery was rattled a little but no damage is reported.

The Ventura Free Press, Vol. 8, No. 36 (Saturday, Sep. 8, 1883).

On Tuesday morning at 4:00, we had a lively earthquake, the shaking lasting about 15 seconds. No harm was done.

(This quake is the same as the 15 second quake felt in Santa Barbara even though the day is incorrect).

(Letter from near Santa Paula): This morning (Wednesday Sept. 5) quite a heavy shock of earthquake was felt at about 4:00, lasting about 1/2 minute.

(Letter from Springville): The earthquake struck us a fearfully hard lick, but no damage was done, except that Postmaster General Clark earnestly engaged in the unusual practice of prayer, believing that Gabriel was blowing his last trumpet.

1883

Sep 13-14

BSSA, Vol. 29, no. 1, p. 66.

14h 30m (2:30 p.m.) IV. Santa Barbara. Lasting five seconds. MWR (September 1883, p. 217-218).

The Santa Barbara Daily Press, Vol. XV, No. 59 (Friday, Sep. 14, 1883).

CITY SUMMARY. A very slight shock of earthquake was noticed here yesterday afternoon and this morning; several assert that there were a couple of scarcely perceptible shocks last night about midnight.

The Santa Barbara Daily Press (Tuesday, Sep. 18, 1883).

LOMPOC ITEMS (from the Lompoc Record). Another quake was at 2:35 on Thursday afternoon.

The Ventura Free Press, Vol. 8, No. 37 (Saturday, Sep. 15, 1883).

We wish the Santa Barbara papers would confine their attention to the pampas plumes (sic) business and let our little volcano, over towards Rincon point, alone. That smoky little affair is modest and donÕt (sic) want to be made notorious. It has been burning away there for hundreds of years, but has never done any harm, let it alone, while it behaves itself.

This note refers to a gas seep in the Rincon Cliff - it catches on fire periodically, burns with a nearly colorless flame, causes condensation of the water vapor in the air during particular meteorologic conditions, and thus seems to "smoke". Ed.

1884

Apr 10

The Santa Barbara Daily Press, Vol. XVI, No. 75 (Friday, 11 Apr. 1884).

CITY AND COUNTY. A slight tremblor was experienced in this city yesterday morning about one oÕclock.

1884

Jul 28

The Ventura Free Press, Vol. 9, No. 447 (Friday, Aug. 1, 1884).

A sharp shock of an earthquake occurred 3:00 Monday morning. The direction appeared to be from the north to south. It lasted by one or two seconds, but was somewhat severe. It was felt throughout the county, and at Santa Barbara. It did no damage here.

The Ventura Free Press, Vol. 9, No. 447 (Friday, Aug. 1, 1884).

(Sespe Items): We had a demonstration from mother Earth about 3:00 Monday morning in the shape of an earthquake. It was one of the "jerky" kind, and of short duration, but quite sharp. We did not note the direction of the vibration. Newcomers thought it fun and were delighted that they felt it and if that was all there was to it, it was just jolly.

1884

Aug 2

1930 hrs

The Ventura Free Press Article 3

"In the night III (?) Santa Barbara. A very light shock."

The Ventura Free Press, Vol. 9, No. 448 (Friday, Aug. 8, 1884).

The great number of fish lying dead on the shore a few days ago must have been killed, we think, by escaping gases from submarine crater. This escape may have caused the earthquake last Saturday night. The fish were washed up on shore soon afterward. In our visit to Anacapa recently we discovered that the entire island bore marks of having been formed by volcanic eruption and it is not unlikely that the old crater to which it is due extends some distance towards the mainland. A slight shock of an earthquake occurred Saturday evening at 7:30. The direction seemed to be the same as the one Monday preceding.

1884

Aug 4

0100 hrs

BSSA, Vol. 29, no. 1, p. 68.

1 a.m. III. In Santa Barbara three very light shocks.- MWR (August 1884, p. 264-266).

1884

Aug 9

The Santa Barbara Daily Press, Vol. XVII, No. 24 (Monday, Aug. 11, 1884).

VENTURA ITEMS. A slight shock of an earthquake occurred Saturday evening at 7:30 p.m. The direction seemed to be the same as the one the Monday preceding.

1884

Aug 10

Santa Barbara Daily Press, Vol. XVI, no. 75 (Friday, Apr. 11, 1884).

CITY AND COUNTY. A slight tremblor was experienced in this city yesterday morning about one o'clock.

1884

Aug 13

The Ventura Free Press, Vol. 9, No. 449 (Friday, Aug. 15, 1884).

Lower Lake, (Lake County), California, Wednesday was visited by a shock of earthquake of great violence. About 20 lighter shocks were felt at intervals during the night. It broke the windows in nearly every house in town.

The Argonaunt has discovered the cause of the latest earthquake. (Evidently not the one at Lower Lake. Ed.). It was caused by Ex-Minister SergeantÕs return. his stepping upon the eastern border caused the state of California to tilt up enough to give us the tremors.

1885

Apr 6

The Ventura Free Press, Vol. 10, No. 483 (Apr 10, 1885).

Two shocks of earthquake were felt at two oÕclock a.m., Monday (April 6). Most people were asleep at the time and failed to enjoy the luxury.

1885

Apr 7

The Santa Barbara Daily Press, Vol. XVIII, No. 75 (Wednesday, Apr 8, 1885).

CITY AND COUNTY. A slight shock of earthquake was felt here Tuesday morning at about 1 oÕclock.

BSSA, Vol. 29, no. 1, p. 69.

2h (2 a.m.) Santa Barbara and San Buenaventura. C.G.R.

1885

Apr 11

2005

The Santa Barbara Daily Press, Vol. XVIII, No. 79 (Monday, Apr 13, 1885).

CITY AND COUNTY. At 8 oÕclock Saturday evening a plainly perceptible shock of earthquake was felt in Santa Barbara.

Santa Maria Times, Vol. IV, no. 1 (Saturday, Apr 18, 1885).

Quite a severe shock of earthquake visited this section at 8 oÕclock on Saturday evening last. Reports indicate that it was quite general on the coast, even extending as far north as Marysville.

(We surmise that this was an earthquake on the San Andreas, east of King City. According to TA it was felt from Ventura to Marysville, and San Francisco to Keeler (Inyo Co.), and was of intensity IX at the epicenter. Ed.)

1885

Apr 14

The Santa Barbara Daily Press, Vol. XVIII, No. 81 (Wednesday, Apr. 15, 1885).

LOS ALAMOS NOTES. At 8 minutes in the evening two light shocks of earthquakes with the usual vibratory motion, which lasted nearly a minute, was felt here.

1885

Jun 14

BSSA, Vol. 29, no. 1, p. 69.

3h 14m (3:14 a.m.), 120th meridian time. V. San Buenaventura, Ventura Co. and Los Angeles and Cahuenga, Los Angeles Co. A moderate earthquake. C.G.R.

The Santa Barbara Daily Press, Vol. XVIII, No. 132 (Monday, Jun 15, 1885).

CITY AND COUNTY. A slight tremor of earthquake was felt in this city yesterday morning about a quarter past three oÕclock. There was but one shock, the vibrations being from north to south. It was felt in Los Angeles and Ventura almost simultaneously with this place.

The Ventura Free Press, Vol. 10, No. 493 (Friday, Jun 19, 1885).

The sharpest earthquake shock experienced here for some years occurred at a quarter past three Sunday morning. The vibration, which was from south to north, lasted about 20 seconds and shook up things at a lively rate.

1885

Jul 9

BSSA, Vol. 29, no. 1, p. 70.

1 h 20 m to 8h 15 m (1:20 a.m. to 8:15 a.m.) V. Santa Barbara. Five moderate earthquakes. - MWR (July 1885, p. 187. Each of long duration, sufficient to awaken most sleepers.)

The Santa Barbara Daily Press, Vol. XVIII, No. 152 (Thursday, Jul. 9, 1885).

TREMBLORS. Santa Barbara shaken Up By a Succession of Earthquake Shocks This Morning.

During last night and this morning four distinct shocks of earthquake were felt in Santa Barbara, two during the early hours of the morning following midnight, one at about 6:30 this morning, and another a couple of hours later.

Earthquake notes.

Later in the day, and after interviewing several persons in regard to the earthquake shocks felt here this morning, a diversity of accounts is obtained.

Pop Collins reports a lamp shaken off the table at his shop by the shock this morning.

Mr. Hoffman states that there were five distinct shocks, three occurring between 12 oÕclock last night and 1 oÕclock this morning. The one at 1 oÕclock was sharp enough to make buildings rattle.

Mr. Curley says he felt three sharp shocks some time between 1 oÕclock and daylight this morning but did not note time.

Some counts make the number of shocks felt here seven.

1885

Jul 9

The Santa Barbara Daily Press, Vol. XVIII, No. 153 (Friday, Jul. 10, 1885).

CITY AND COUNTY. Another slight shock of earthquake was felt here about 9:30 oÕclock last evening.

1885

Jul 19

The Santa Barbara Daily Press, Vol. XIX, No. 7 (Monday, Jul. 20, 1885).

CITY AND COUNTY. Three slight shocks of earthquake last night are reported - one at half past 12 oÕclock and two between 2 and 3 oÕclock a.m.