1861 Mendoza earthquake

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The 1861 Mendoza earthquake was a major seismic movement in the province of Mendoza, Argentina. It took place on 20 March 1861, at about 9 PM. It had a magnitude of 7.2 in the Richter scale and an intensity of 9 in the Mercalli scale. Its epicenter was located at an estimated depth of 30 km.

The earthquake devastated the provincial capital, Mendoza, killing 8,000 to 10,000 of its residents. Most of the buildings were destroyed, including the cabildo (colonial government house). The town was reconstructed in a nearby location, and the authorities moved to their new seat in 1863. The new constructions, which incorporated modern architectural tendencies, were markedly different from the old colonial buildings.