Earthquakes in South Carolina demonstrate the greatest frequency along the central coastline of the state , in the Charleston area . South Carolina averages 10 – 15 earthquakes a year below magnitude 3 ( FEMA ) . The Charleston Earthquake of 1886 was the largest quake ever to hit the Southeastern United States . This 7.2 magnitude earthquake killed 60 people and destroyed much of the city . Faults in this region are difficult to study at the surface due to thick sedimentation on top of them . Many of the ancient faults are within plates rather than along plate boundaries
Charleston Earthquake of 1886
1886 Charleston earthquake
South Carolina