The 1812 New Madrid earthquakes, which included the violent tremor on February 7, 1812, had significant effects on the Native American populations in the region near the Mississippi River. Here are some of the impacts:

1. Displacement and Destruction:
   • The epicenter of the earthquakes was near the city of New Madrid, which was located close to the Mississippi River in present-day Missouri.
   • Although the area was sparsely populated, the quakes caused landslides that destroyed several communities, including Little Prairie, Missouri.
   • Native American tribes living in the affected regions faced displacement due to the destruction of their settlements.
2. River Changes:
   • The powerful tremors caused fissures to open on the earth’s surface, and large trees were snapped in two.
   • The Mississippi River experienced dramatic changes:
     • The water turned brown, and whirlpools developed suddenly from depressions created in the riverbed.
     • Waterfalls were formed instantly, leading to the tragic loss of life. In one report, 30 boats were helplessly thrown over falls, resulting in fatalities.
     • Many small islands in the middle of the river, often used as bases by river pirates, permanently disappeared due to the seismic activity.
     • Large lakes, such as Reelfoot Lake in Tennessee and Big Lake at the Arkansas-Missouri border, were created as river water poured into new depressions.
3. Human Toll:
   • Approximately 1,000 people are believed to have died because of the earthquakes.
   • However, determining an accurate count is challenging due to the lack of precise records of the Native American population in the area at that time.