In 1803 the United States acquired this area under the Louisiana Purchase. More Americans began to settle west of the river. From December 16, 1811, to February 4, 1812, the area was struck by the 1811–12 New Madrid earthquakes (a series of more than 2,000 events). They are believed by some to have been the greatest in North American history.
in 1803 the united states acquired this area under the louisiana purchase more americans began to settle west of the river from december 16 1811 to february 4 1812 the area was struck by the 1811–12 new madrid earthquakes (a series of more than 2000 events) they are believed by some to have been the greatest in north american history