Twin Earthquakes in Virginia: An Interesting Coincidence

         On September 3, 1783, the Treaty of Paris was signed, in which Great Britain formally recognized the independence of the American Colonies and the establishment of the United States of America.

         Almost exactly 114 years later on May 31, 1897, the strongest earthquake ever recorded in Virginia, classified 5.9 in magnitude and VIII in intensity, shook the east coast. Centered about 20 miles east of Blacksburg in Giles County, the massive quake felled chimneys and changed the flow of springs. According to the limited reports of the time, the temblor was felt from the Atlantic coast westward to Kentucky and Indiana, as far south as Georgia and north to Pennsylvania, rocking Washington D.C.

         Today, almost exactly 114 years later on August 23, 2011 at 1:51pm EDT, a 5.8 earthquake struck the same area, only about 150 miles away to the ENE, centered near the railroad town of Mineral, Virginia in Louisa County, about 40 miles northwest of Richmond. The quake, less than four miles deep, also rocked the nation’s capital 80 miles away, and was felt as far north as Massachusetts, reaching to the very course where the President was playing golf. Buildings swayed in New York City, and some thought another 9/11 was in the works, still jumpy from a decade earlier. The Pentagon shook violently from what started as a low rumbling felt by occupants, who quickly evacuated. The quake also shook cities as far west as Chicago and Cincinnati, reached south to Georgia, and registered seismically in an incredible 22 states. At least one violent aftershock took place and several more are expected. The damage was generally moderate throughout the Central Virginia Seismic Zone, but served as a rare wake-up call to a region most unfamiliar with earthquakes.

         Was the timing of these twin earthquakes just a coincidence? 114 equals the Biblical number of “man” (6), times 19. According to E.W. Bullinger, “19 is a number not without significance. It is a combination of 10 and 9, and would denote the perfection of Divine order connected with judgment. It is the gematria of Eve and Job.” [1]

         Putting the two 114’s together, the exact 228 year period from the formal beginning of this nation until September 3, 2011 is 12 times 19. 12 is the Biblical number of governmental perfection. What follows the number 12 is the very American number of 13. It brings to mind the original 13 colonies upon which this nation was founded, as well as the thirteen red and white stripes of our flag and the original thirteen stars. The number 13 also happens to be the Biblical number of rebellion. Is this just another coincidence? Are we as a nation entering into a new time of reform beginning on September 3 when we honor the 228^th anniversary of our formal founding? Many signs have been pointing in that direction.

         Another possible coincidence is in the works. The first major Atlantic hurricane is presently rebuilding strength in the Caribbean. It is projected to grow to a Category 4 storm and lessen to a 3 as it strikes the Carolinas, then move directly over Washington D.C. late Saturday night, August 27. On Sunday night it is currently projected to strike New York City as a Category 1. The last time that happened was in 1821. The Norfolk and Long Island hurricane was only the second hurricane to have ever passed directly over New York City. The 1821 storm happened exactly 38 years since the Treaty of Paris, slamming into Long Island on September 3 of that year. 38 is a multiple of 19. The hurricane just happened to have a 13 foot storm surge. Coincidence?   

         Though the premise of this article can be easily shot down and ridiculed, a simple reminder is in order as we ponder today’s events: “A coincidence is when God wants to remain anonymous.”

         © 2011 by RJ Dawson. All Rights Reserved.

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[1] Number in Scripture, E.W. Bullinger. © 1967 by Kregel Publications. All Rights Reserved.