The 1909 Wabash River earthquake occurred at 04:45 local time on September 27 with a maximum Mercalli intensity of VII (very strong).

It measured 5.1 on a seismic scale that is based on an isoseismal map or the event's felt area.

With moderate damage in the Wabash River Valley, it is currently the strongest earthquake recorded in the U.S. state of Indiana.

[2] In Terre Haute, the earthquake toppled two chimneys, cracked plaster, and knocked pictures from walls.

Nearby Covington, north of Terre Haute in Fountain County, experienced several fallen chimneys and some broken windows.