MISSOURI – The Great Tri-State Tornado, the longest tracked F5 tornado in U.S. history, devastated Southeast Missouri, Illinois, and Southwest Indiana on March 18, 1925, leaving a trail of destruction and claiming 695 lives.
The tornado, which remained on the ground for an unprecedented 3.5 hours, traveled 219 miles, causing significant damage across three states. Jackson County, Illinois, was the hardest hit, with over 300 fatalities and widespread destruction to businesses and industry.
“The significance of the Tri-State Tornado is that it is still considered the worst tornadic event that has ever happened in American history,” said Mary Riesling of the Jackson County, Illinois Historical Society. “It killed more than 300 people in Jackson County. The county itself was heavily destroyed when it comes to business, industry, and loss of life.”
The tornado’s path began in Southeast Missouri and continued through Illinois and Southwest Indiana, showcasing its incredible reach and power. At times, the twister was up to a mile wide, with winds exceeding 200 miles per hour.
The human toll was staggering, with Jackson County, Illinois, suffering the most with over 300 fatalities out of the total 695 deaths across the three states.
The sheer force of the tornado was evident in the aftermath, as pieces of lumber were found driven into the trunks of trees, illustrating the immense power of the winds.
The Great Tri-state Tornado remains a somber reminder of the destructive power of nature, with its impact still felt in the communities it ravaged. Historical accounts and photographs continue to preserve the memory of this catastrophic event.
External Sources
- For more information and historical photos of the tornado, visit the National Weather Service’s page.
- Explore detailed maps and stories of the tornado’s path here.
All facts from this article were gathered by KTVI journalists.This article was converted into this format with assistance from artificial intelligence. It has been edited and approved by KTVI staff.