California's Largest Recorded Earthquakes Since 1800

Ranked by Magnitude

1. Magnitude 7.9 - Fort Tejon, 1857

This earthquake, which occurred on January 9, 1857, is the largest recorded earthquake in California's history. It caused widespread damage and killed an estimated 100 people.

2. Magnitude 7.5 - Ridgecrest, 2019

This earthquake, which occurred on July 6, 2019, was the largest earthquake to hit California in nearly 20 years. It caused significant damage and injured dozens of people.

3. Magnitude 7.3 - Landers, 1992

This earthquake, which occurred on June 28, 1992, caused extensive damage and killed one person. It was the first major earthquake to hit the Los Angeles area in nearly 40 years.

4. Magnitude 7.1 - Hector Mine, 1999

This earthquake, which occurred on October 16, 1999, caused moderate damage and injured several people. It was the largest earthquake to hit the Mojave Desert in over 100 years.

5. Magnitude 6.9 - Loma Prieta, 1989

This earthquake, which occurred on October 17, 1989, caused extensive damage and killed 63 people. It was the largest earthquake to hit the San Francisco Bay Area in over 80 years.