Johnstown Flood, Pennsylvania, USA
Floods were nothing new to Johnstown, Pennsylvania residents. They lived in a river valley, and streets flooded every year. But heavier than normal rains filled Lake Conemaugh. The lake, created as a “pleasure lake” for the South Fork Hunting and Fishing Club, was held by the South Fork Dam. Unfortunately, the dam weakened. Despite the best efforts of officials, the dam broke on May 31, 1889, creating a 10.6 to 12.1 meter (35-40 foot) wall of water that hit the town.
Houses flipped over, trains derailed. Additionally, as an added trauma, the 40-foot pile of debris trapped at a railroad bridge caught fire. Over 2,200 people died in the flood. The flood demolished 1,600 houses, and caused $17 million in property damage. The Johnstown Flood Museum welcomes visitors to explore the flood and its impact on the community.
