eruption), then in 1963, and again in 1973. The 1998 Azores earthquake on July 9, which shook the islands of Faial, Pico and São Jorge at 07:19 (its epicentre north-northeast of Faial) measured 5.6 on the Richter scale and caused damages to the parishes of Riberinha, Pedro Miguel, Salão and Cedros and stronger damages in Castelo Branco (mainly Lombega), Flamengos and Praia do Almoxarife. Eight people died in the earthquake and 1,700 were left homeless. Economy Faial's early economic growth was propelled by cultivation and processing of woad, a blue-coloured dye produced from the plant Isatis tinctoria. It was the only source for blue dye until the end of the 16th century when Portuguese trade routes started bringing indigo from the Far East. Economic and population growth was also spearheaded by many legends of tin and silver, perpetuated by members of the Portuguese court. The economy of the island generated some prosperity until 1957, when the Capelinhos Volcano erupted in the western part of the island, reactivating emigration to North America, supported by promises of aid made by Massachusetts senator John F. Kennedy to the affected populations. The main agricultural resources of the island are potatoes, cereals, fruits, and wines, along with cattle (which makes up its dairy and meat industry). The city of Horta is the centre of commerce and services of the island. In the 1970s, after the Carnation Revolution, Portugal experienced economic growth, and an airport was opened; with it, tourists came. After Portugal's entry into the European Economic Community (EEC), the standard of living rapidly grew and today the population generally prospers. Architecture Faial is a tourist destination with a rich collection of historical, natural and modern attractions that bring yachts, cruise ships, tourist groups and naturalists to the hills and streets of the island. Apart from several hotels and bed & breakfasts scattered throughout the parishes, the visitor seeking sun will likely travel to the black sand beaches of Praia de Almoxarife, Conceição and Porto Pim, as well as the rock pools scattered along the coast. Varadouro is one such place, known for its warmer waters, micro-climate, summer cottages and complicated salt-water pools open to the ocean. Civic Termas do Varadouro (Thermal Spa of Varadouro) Geological Museum of the Volcano Interpretative Center of the Capelinhos Volcano (including the Capelinhos lighthouse) Escola de Artesanto do Capelo (School of Handicrafts) Military Fort of Santa Cruz World War