Bingwu Earthquake Memorial Monument Introduction
The trajectory of post-disaster reconstruction - Taiwan frequently experiences earthquakes, and there were multiple significant quakes during the Japanese colonial period. On the morning of March 17, 1906 (Meiji 39), a major earthquake struck at six o'clock, lasting over four minutes. The epicenter was located between Minxiong and Meishan, resulting in considerable casualties among both people and livestock, with severe damage to buildings. Continuous aftershocks led to the deaths of more than 1,200 individuals. Most of the buildings in Chiayi City were destroyed by the earthquake. Following the disaster, the administrative authorities took the opportunity to plan for urban redevelopment, which laid the foundation for present-day Chiayi City. A monument, known as the "Earthquake Memorial," was erected, possibly the first earthquake monument in Taiwan, with the inscription written by Zhuang Borong. After World War II, it was renamed the "Youth Recreation Center," and in March 2001, the Cultural Bureau restored it. Monument construction: Erected: Meiji 39 (1906) Restoration: March 2001.
