Reelfoot Lake
A series of earthquakes beginning with the first great shock on December 16, 1811 continued for many months. On the night of February 6, 1812 and extending into the hours after midnight the earth opened up and churning waters formed great lake. Though designated on some early makes as Line or Wood Lake, it soon took its name from the lost Reelfoot River.
These earthquakes received little publicity at the time because the area was sparsely settled. Nevertheless, scientific literature, here and in Europe, place them among the major earthquakes of the world, surpassing the better known shocks in California. The area had been affected by prior quakes as supported by geologic evidence, Indian traditions, and other written records.
English naturalist, John Bradbury was on the river in 1811 and left a graphic account beginning with December 16 and continuing for several days.
Andrew Jackson recorded on February 8, 1812 that walls were cracked and chimneys thrown down in Nashville.
Eliza Bryan of New Madrid, Missouri, center of the first quake, wrote to Reverend Lorenzo Dow on March 22, 1816 concerning the concussion of February 7, 1811.
The land under the lake remained in the hands of the original land owners until early in the 1900’s when it was transferred to the West Tennessee Land Company.
Cities, and Communities County Seat
Tiptonville became the county seat in 1870 when Lake County was formed.
Wynnburg is a small village with a Post Office, and Ridgely is in the south end of the county.
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