Bingwu Earthquake Memorial Monument Introduction
The Trace of Post-Disaster Reconstruction - Taiwan frequently experiences earthquakes, and several significant tremors occurred during the Japanese colonial period. On March 17, 1906 (Meiji 39), a major earthquake struck at six o'clock in the morning, lasting over four minutes. The epicenter was located between Minxiong and Meishan, resulting in considerable loss of life and severe damage to buildings. Continuous aftershocks subsequently caused the deaths of more than 1,200 people, and most buildings in Chiayi City were destroyed by the earthquake. After the disaster, the authorities took the opportunity to plan the urban redevelopment, which laid the foundation for today's Chiayi City. A stone monument called the "Earthquake Memorial" was erected to commemorate the event, possibly the first earthquake memorial in Taiwan, authored by Zhuang Borong. After World War II, it was renamed the "Youth and Recreation Center," and in March 2001, the Cultural Bureau restored it. Construction Date: Erected in Meiji 39 (1906) Restoration: March 2001
