December 9, 1875 Earthquake: Arecibo, Puerto Rico, US Territories

Reference #124 states that Rockwood (1876) reports a local earthquake in the evening hours, which destroyed the town of Arecibo, in the northwest of the island, leaving two churches and six houses standing. W-L. & A. (1974) assign Rossi-Fore! intensity, VII-VIII.

1875 December 08, night. Severe at Arecibo, VII-VIII. A report reads "Only two churches and six houses remaining '. Since Arecibo never had but two churches, this account is an exaggeration. A more correct report is that one church was so badly damaged the dome had to be taken down. Some high structures badly damaged. Elsewhere, there was little or no damage but the shock was reported strong. A strong earthquake was felt in Ponce.' Tremors were prolonged which threw down some chimneys at sugar mills. The Island experienced another strong earthquake. Another strong earthquake shook Arecibo. Did much damage to the church and the priests' quarters. Arecibo VII-VIII. Church badly damaged. Little damage elsewhere.. Must have been on the Island and ' quite deep, 50-100 kms. (reference #1189)

1875, December 9th 0120. Neumann’s report of event being felt and causing damage in Ponce has not yet been verified by first hand reports. Other reports suggest source north of western part of the island. (reference #14050)