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American History

80 Iconic Moments from the 80s Forever In Our Minds

Cliff Schiappa / AP

76. The Eruption of Mount Saint Helens

Universal History Archive UIG / Getty Images / TIME

Scientists largely believed Mount Saint Helens, located in Washington State, to be a dormant volcano. However, an earthquake led to a massive eruption that caught the world off-guard in May 1980. Lava flows, pyroclastic flows, mudslides, and ash that rained down on the local area led to the deaths of 57 people.

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