alternatehistory.com

On the 16th of December 1811, the 23rd of January 1812 & the 7th of February 1812 three powerful earthquakes struck the area around New Madrid, Missouri. (for details go here.) These however were only part of a long term series of earthquakes that included aftershocks almost as powerful as the 'main' quakes.

At the time they occurred the region was sparsely settled and casualties were relatively few.

The challenge I lay down is this, what would the consequences be if the quakes had occurred in December - February 1861-1862, at time when the American Civil War was just starting?
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