Minor flooding was a way of life for nineteenth century citizens in the industrial city of Johnstown, Pennsylvania. Heavy rains routinely meant moving valuable possessions to an upper floor until the waters receded. But the city's residents were completely unprepared for the deadly series of events that occurred on May 30, 1889.

The South Fork Dam, located 14 miles from the city, was built to prevent Lake Conemaugh from flooding the community. Lake Conemaugh, a man-made lake adjacent to the South Fork Fishing and Hunting Club, was the playground of rich and famous club members like Henry Clay Frick and Andrew Carnegie. The lake was about two miles long, approximately one mile wide, and 60 feet deep near the dam.

But, on this fateful day, the rains pounded the area and South Fork Dam (then owned and maintained by the club)weakened. By late afternoon, frantic efforts by officials to heighten the dam and create another spillway in order to avert disaster failed.

The dam broke and water cascaded toward the 30,000 unsuspecting citizens of Johnstown. The city was quickly deluged by 20-million tons of water and debris estimated to be 40-feet high and half a mile wide. It hit the city with the force of Niagara Falls.

Within the rubble were buildings, animals and people, some dead, some still alive, that had accumulated as the water made its 14-mile surge from South Fork to Johnstown. Citizens who survived the disaster later reported that the thunderous sound of the rushing water was overwhelming.

As part of the debris rammed into Stone Bridge, it began to pile as high as 40-feet and it eventually spanned 30-acres. The huge pile then burst into flames. That which bypassed Stone Bridge was swept down the Conemaugh River. Amazingly, a few of the people awash in the debris escaped death.

A total of 2,209 people lost their lives in the devastating Johnstown Flood. Emergency morgues were set up throughout the city where bodies were placed in pine boxes, awaiting identification by survivors.

As news of the Johnstown disaster reached the rest of the country, shipments of medicine, food, clothing, lumber and money poured into Johnstown. Survivors whose homes and businesses had been swept away by the flood waters had no choice but to temporarily live in tents while they began the awesome task of rebuilding the city and their lives. The Red Cross in Washington, D.C., headed by Clara Barton, quickly went to work in Johnstown, constructing hotels to house the survivors.

Within a month, stores and industry reopened. Members of the South Fork Fishing and Hunting Club were sued by survivors who accused them of neglecting proper upkeep of the dam. But the legal community viewed the disaster as an act of God. The Johnstown Flood continues to be of great interest to researchers and scholars even today. However, questions of responsibility for the flood are left unanswered.

The Johnstown Flood Museum, located at 304 Washington Street in Johnstown, PA, was constructed in 1891. The French Gothic facility, originally funded by Andrew Carnegie, weaves the tale of one of the worst disasters in the history of the United States with exhibits, artifacts, photographs and an award-winning film by Charles Guggenheim. Within a short walk of the museum, cable cars are available which gives visitors a excellent view of the city. Interested travelers can call the museum at (814) 539-1889.

In addition to the Johnstown Flood Museum, the Johnstown Flood National Memorial Park in Saint Michael, Pennsylvania, located approximately ten miles northeast of Johnstown, includes over 164 acres and preserves. Walking trails and a picnic area is open to the public. Visitors are welcome to view the remains of South Fork Dam. The Park's Visitor Center features exhibits, a film (35-minutes long) that recreates the flood, and a book store. The Park is open year-round from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. from Memorial Day to Labor Day and from 9 .m. to 5 p.m. the rest of the year (exception: closed on Christmas Day). Additional information may be obtained by calling (814) 495-4643.

DIRECTIONS TO THE MUSEUM: Exit the Pennsylvania Turnpike at the Somerset Interchange (Exit #10) and follow US Route 219 for approximately 25 miles. DIRECTIONS TO JOHNSTOWN FLOOD NATIONAL MEMORIAL PARK: Take US Route 219 to the Saint Michael-Sidman exit. Drive east on PA Route 869. Turn left onto Lake Road.

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