On November 18, 1755 CE, an earthquake struck the Cape Ann region of Massachusetts, in the American colonies. The quake, estimated at magnitude 5.9, caused significant damage to buildings and was felt over a wide area. This event was one of the most significant earthquakes in the history of New England and is a notable example of seismic activity in the region.

The 1755 Cape Ann earthquake was documented in contemporary accounts and is part of the early American literary tradition. The event was interpreted as a divine warning by the Puritan clergy and inspired sermons and religious writings. The earthquake is a significant event in the history of American literature, where it is used to explore themes of faith, judgment, and the relationship between the colonists and their environment.