Everything Everywhere Daily · Wednesday, September 23, 2026
Following the devastating New Madrid earthquakes of 1811-1812, the Missouri territorial governor requested federal aid. Congress responded by passing the New Madrid Relief Act of 1815, establishing the first instance of federal disaster relief in United States history.
“In 1814, the Missouri territorial governor, William Clark, requested federal relief for the residents of New Madrid County.”
“Congress passed the New Madrid Relief Act of 1815, which was the first example of disaster relief in United States history.”