On the morning of April 5, 2024, residents across New Jersey—including here in Plainsboro—felt an unexpected jolt. A 4.8 magnitude earthquake struck near Whitehouse Station in Hunterdon County, marking the strongest earthquake to hit New Jersey in 240 years. 

While the shaking lasted only a few seconds, it was widely felt across central New Jersey. In Plainsboro, people reported rattling windows, light fixtures swaying, and a general feeling of unease as they realized it wasn’t just a passing truck. Fortunately, there were no reports of injuries or major damage in our area. 

The earthquake occurred as a result of oblique reverse and strike-slip faulting at shallow depths in the Earth’s crust. This type of movement involves both vertical and horizontal displacement along the fault line. The quake was likely associated with the Ramapo Fault zone, a prominent geological feature that stretches from Pennsylvania to New York. Another possible source is the Flemington Fault, a younger fault in the same area.

Though earthquakes in New Jersey are rare, they’re not unheard of. Most are small and go unnoticed, but this event served as a reminder that even in places not typically known for seismic activity, natural events can catch us off guard. 

At the Wicoff House Museum, we’re always thinking about how moments like this become part of local history. Whether it’s a major storm, a pandemic, or an unexpected earthquake, these events shape the stories we tell about life in Plainsboro.