Bingwu Earthquake Memorial Monument

The path of post-disaster reconstruction ~ Taiwan frequently experiences earthquakes, and multiple severe earthquakes occurred during the Japanese colonial period. On March 17, Meiji 39 (1906), at 6 AM, a major earthquake occurred (the full shaking lasted for over four minutes), with its epicenter between Minxiong and Meishan. There were many casualties among people and livestock, severe damage to buildings, and continuous aftershocks, which subsequently crushed over 1,200 people. Most of the buildings in Chiayi City were destroyed by the earthquake. After the disaster, the administrative authorities took the opportunity to plan a city rerouting project, and today's Chiayi City is founded on this plan. A stele named 'Earthquake Disaster Record' was erected for this earthquake, possibly the first earthquake memorial in Taiwan, with its text written by Zhuang Borong. After World War II, it was renamed 'Youth Recreation Center'. In March 2001, the Cultural Affairs Bureau restored it. Site Construction: Erected: Meiji 39 (1906 AD) Restored: March 2001.