The New Madrid Earthquakes were a series of powerful seismic events that occurred between December 1811 and February 1812 in the region near the town of New Madrid, Missouri. These earthquakes are notable for their intensity, with estimates suggesting magnitudes as high as 7.5 to 8.0. The tremors were felt across a vast area, including parts of present-day Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Arkansas. The earthquakes caused significant ground deformation, including the formation of new lakes and changes in the course of the Mississippi River. They resulted in widespread damage to buildings and infrastructure, although the region was sparsely populated at the time. The New Madrid Earthquakes remain one of the most significant seismic events in U.S. history, highlighting the potential for large earthquakes in the central United States.