BANGOR DAILY NEWS • January 27, 2025
The Maine Geological Survey keeps a record of all quakes recorded since 1997, when state records began to be widely available. Earthquakes prior to 1997 are also noted, though the data on them is less reliable. Earthquakes that occurred prior to seismological equipment being set up in the northeastern U.S. in the 1970s are only estimates. The largest earthquake that is believed to have occurred in Maine in recorded history happened in March 1904, with the epicenter believed to have been somewhere near Eastport. The quake was believed to be around 5.9 on the Richter scale, and caused widespread damage throughout eastern Maine. These are the 12 strongest Maine earthquakes for which we have accurate data or reliable historical information.