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(#5) For Johnstown Residents, Flooding Was A Normal Part Of Life
Even before the disaster of May 1889, Johnstown residents were used to frequent flooding. The town was built on a flood plain, so the community was subjected to a serious amount of water every year.
Floods could be caused by a number of things, such as snow that melted too fast or a particularly torrential downpour. Because of this, when the South Gate Dam broke and the town began to flood, residents quickly moved their valuables upstairs and made plans to wait out the storm in the upper floors of homes and buildings.
This time, however, the waters were too strong, and buildings provided little protection.
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(#4) Some Survived The Flood Only To Burn To Death
The people of Johnstown's troubles didn't end after their homes were ravaged by floodwater; some especially unlucky residents also endured a fire. As survivors of the flood clung to debris to stay afloat, many were pulled to the Pennsylvania Railroad Company’s Stone Bridge, which was rapidly collecting wreckage. Suddenly, the bridge caught fire, roasting many who had managed to endure the initial onslaught of water.
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(#11) The Wreckage Was Cleaned Up Remarkably Quickly
With 2,200 dead and an entire town leveled, one might assume it would take years to repair the damages caused by the Johnstown flood. However, the public rallied to provide support, and before a month had passed, serious cleanup was underway.
Ten thousand men worked to clean up the Johnstown area, and within 14 days, the Pennsylvania Railroad was back open for business. Cambria Iron Works reopened on June 6, and by the start of July, Johnstown's shops were up and running.
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(#1) The Flood Began With The Destruction Of A Massive Dam
In 1889, the South Fork Dam was the biggest earth dam in the United States. Composed solely of dirt and stone, it measured a staggering 900x72 feet and contained Lake Conemaugh (which was at the time the country’s largest man-made lake).
The lake was about two miles wide, a mile long, and 60 feet deep. This was a lot for the earth dam to hold, especially since it had been left to atrophy as railroads dethroned canals as the preferred means for moving good.
When the dam finally gave out, there was little anyone could do to quell the raging waters.
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(#6) The Flood Produced 14 Miles Of Debris
Perhaps the most astonishing thing about the Johnstown flood of 1889 is the sheer size of the calamity. At the time of the incident, engineers estimated the floodwaters were moving as quickly and powerfully as Niagara Falls.
People who were present for the destruction described the waters as 40 feet high and half a mile wide. Allegedly, the sound of rushing water was so loud that it could be heard in other towns.
The flood damaged South Fork, Mineral Point, Woodvale, and East Conemaugh before it reached Johnstown. By the time it arrived, it was carrying roughly 14 miles of debris picked up along the way. Pieces of buildings, barns, and even bodies were found among the wreckage.
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(#9) After The Tragedy, The World Stepped Up To Provide Relief
After tragedy struck Johnstown, the world responded with an outpouring of kindness. The city of Cincinnati, OH, sent 20,000 pounds of ham to feed survivors and people aiding the cleanup. Prisoners in Pittsburgh, PA, baked 1,000 loaves of bread per day.
In addition to the aid provided by neighboring states, people around the world contributed to the Johnstown relief efforts. In Paris, Buffalo Bill Cody hosted a benefit to raise money for the flood funds. While 19th century record-keeping wasn't totally accurate, it was at the time estimated that some 17 million pounds of food and supplies were delivered to Johnstown.
In terms of dollars, the US and 12 other countries collectively raised about $3.7 million in donations.
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The Johnstown Flood in 1889 occurred after Memorial Day in the United States. Heavy rains began in Pennsylvania. The reservoir dam above Johnstown burst and 5.6 billion gallons of water rushed out and crushed the valley and destroying the surrounding towns. Johnstown, which was the most severely affected, was almost turned into rubble, and about 2,500 people died in the disaster.
Under the call of the American Red Cross led by Clara Button, the United States formed many disaster relief organizations. In less than a month, Johnstontown returned to normal. The random tool lists 12 details about the horrifying Johnstown Flood.
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