Continuing to recount stories that turn out to be myths can make the historic earthquakes of 1811-1812 seem much more damaging than they actually were. This has large economic ramifications. If an accurate account of the extent of damage related to the 1811-1812 earthquakes is not determined, then buildings will be required to be built to withstand much larger potential earthquake damage than required which can drastically increase building costs. The cost of earthquake insurance can also be inflated.