October 21, 1868
Major Earthquake Causes Damage

A major earthquake, estimated today at 7.0, struck Alameda County on October 21, 1868. The earthquake was located on the Hayward Fault and caused widespread damage. The Mission San Jose and the Alviso Adobe were among the badly damaged structures.

At right, you see a photograph of the collapsed county courthouse and a photograph of the courthouse when it was originally built.


Picture of courthouse in San Leandro.