Shocking Details of West Texas’ Largest Earthquake

Living in West Texas, you know that earthquakes are common out here. Most of the time I don't even realize one has happened until I jump on Facebook. Though small they are a huge topic of conversation out here for many reasons.

The earthquake I talked about the most was one I experienced back in 2019. I was sitting in my office on the second floor and everything looked like it did a hard shift to the left. For a second I thought I had imagined my office furniture moving on its own. That's how quick earthquakes can be in West Texas.

Did you know that the largest earthquake in Texas was recorded in West Texas? It happened in Valentine Texas at 5:40 a.m. on August 16, 1931. It caused a lot of damage to homes and businesses in the area. It had a devastating 5.8 magnitude and was felt over 1,165,000 square kilometers in Texas, New Mexico, and Mexico. To make things worse there were many aftershocks, including a magnitude 4.2 aftershock in Alpine, Lobo, Pecos, and Valentine on August 18.

What's even crazier is on July 26, 2024, West Texas experienced the 6th largest earthquake in Texas. It was located in Hermleigh with a measurement of 5.1 magnitude. This one was felt all over including in the cities of Lubbock, Midland, Dallas, Wichita Falls, Big Spring, San Angelo, and Abilene.

Most of the earthquakes out here are called unmemorable. I prefer to have an underwhelming feeling when it comes to earthquakes. The only thing I want to see shaking is my Texas Pete Hot sauce bottle.