 The epicenter of the earthquake was in Louisa County , Virginia , where damage was greatest and several minor injuries occurred . The town of Mineral , located 5 mi ( 8 km ) north @-@ northeast from the earthquake 's epicenter , reported the collapse of two buildings , as well as minor damage to several other structures , including the collapse of the ceiling in its Town Hall . Only minor injuries were reported , including the hospitalization of several people reporting chest pains related to the stress of the experience . Fallen chimneys and other structural damage to buildings was also reported in Louisa , the county seat . The Gilboa Christian Church , in Cuckoo , was heavily damaged and rendered unusable . At Louisa County High School , cinderblocks fell in classrooms , and cracks were seen in walls . Six students had minor injuries . Louisa County schools were closed on August 24 while engineers assessed damage to school buildings . The high school and Thomas Jefferson Elementary were closed for the remainder of the school year . Inspections revealed that 65 homes sustained major or severe damage and 125 homes experienced mild to moderate damage . Damage in Louisa County was estimated at $ 80 @.@ 6 million , of which $ 63 @.@ 8 million was from damage to public school buildings and $ 14 @.@ 7 million was from damage to residences . On August 25 , county officials declared a state of local emergency in order to allow them to request state aid . 
