History of the Johnstown Flood

Willis Fletcher Johnson's "History of the Johnstown Flood" meticulously recounts one of America's most devastating natural disasters. This historical record details the catastrophic events of May 31, 1889, when the South Fork Dam collapsed, unleashing a torrent of water that decimated Johnstown, Pennsylvania, and the surrounding Conemaugh Valley.

More than just a chronicle of destruction, this book explores the full scope of the tragedy. Johnson captures the breaking of the dam, the overwhelming force of the flood as it swept through the valley, and the complete devastation of Johnstown. He documents the harrowing escapes and desperate rescues, the grim search for survivors and the dead, and the immense relief efforts that followed.

Beyond Johnstown, the book also includes accounts of the widespread destruction along the Susquehanna and Juniata Rivers, and Bald Eagle Creek, painting a comprehensive picture of the disaster's reach. A powerful and enduring account of a pivotal moment in American history, "History of the Johnstown Flood" stands as a testament to both the destructive power of nature and the resilience of the human spirit. This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.