On the night of June 19, 1889 a substantial earthquake was felt in the region, followed by twenty-eight aftershocks. Of course, most everyone assumed the culprit was Lassen Peak. However, upon further investigation the epicenter was Eagle Lake.
Thomas Ford, editor of Bieber’s Mountain Tribune traveled to Susanville during the earthquake. Ford wrote: “Arriving at Susanville at six o’clock in the evening, we found things pretty shaky; experienced four shocks that night and was told that it had not been a very good night for earthquakes either. The people did not appear much disturbed by them; were going right along with their business as if nothing had happened, and were philosophically disposed to take their chances on what might happen. Many were the accounts or what had happened since the shaky season began—such as Eagle Lake sinking two feet, the waters of Willow Creek being higher than ever before, water in the reservoir muddy, ashes found in wells, beer shooting up fifteen feet out of the tank of Frank Runge’s brewery, etc. Different theories as to the causes of earthquakes were advanced, and when asked our opinion we replied that we were not acquainted with earthquakes, and did not desire a more intimate acquaintance or further introduction.”