Bingwu Earthquake Memorial碑 Introduction
The Aftermath of Reconstruction – Taiwan frequently experiences earthquakes, and several severe tremors occurred during the Japanese colonial period. On March 17, 1906, at 6 a.m., a major earthquake struck (with a total shaking duration of over four minutes), centered between Minxiong and Meishan. There were significant casualties among both people and livestock, and extensive damage to buildings. Continuous aftershocks resulted in over 1,200 deaths, with most structures in Chiayi City destroyed. In the aftermath, the authorities took the opportunity to plan an urban re-routing scheme, laying the foundation for present-day Chiayi City. A stone monument called "Earthquake Memorial" was erected to commemorate the disaster, possibly the first earthquake memorial in Taiwan, written by Zhuang Borong. After World War II, it was renamed "Youth Recreational Center," and in March 2001, the cultural bureau restored it. Construction of the site: Erected in 1906 (Meiji 39) and restored in March 2001.
