A magnitude 5.8 earthquake occurred near Mineral, Virginia, and was one of the strongest to hit the region in recent history. It struck at 1:51 PM EDT, with a depth of approximately 6.3 miles. The tremor reverberated throughout the eastern United States, reaching major cities such as New York City, where residents reported buildings shaking and items falling from shelves. People reported feeling the quake as a sudden jolt that lasted for about 30 seconds, causing widespread alarm. In Washington, D.C., the earthquake prompted evacuations from buildings, including the U.S. Capitol and the White House.

Significant damage occurred in Washington, D.C., where numerous landmarks were affected. The Washington Monument, a towering symbol of the capital, experienced cracks, while other historic sites, including the National Cathedral, reported damage to some of their stonework. Repair estimates for the damaged structures were reported between 200 million and 300 million USD, emphasizing the earthquake's unexpected impact, particularly in a region not accustomed to such seismic activity. The incident led to examinations of building codes and emergency preparedness across the eastern United States, particularly in urban centers.

This earthquake served as a wakeup call for many residents who were unaccustomed to experiencing such seismic events. It initiated discussions about infrastructure safety, emergency response plans, and the necessity of ensuring that historical structures could withstand natural disasters. The event highlighted the importance of preparedness in areas traditionally considered low-risk for earthquakes.