1889 Johnstown Flood
On May 31st, 1889 a great flood destroyed Johnstown, Pennsylvania. After days of rain, the South Fork Dam collapsed. About 20 million gallons of water was unleashed on the town and surrounding area. The New York Times reported that the city had practically been wiped out of existence, and that hundreds or even thousands of lives had been lost. After the disaster, a Reverend wrote: "Persons worth hundreds of thousands a few days ago now [are] glad in ill-fitting clothes given to them by others..." It was also reported that some, even members of the South Fork Hunting Club, knew that the dam would likely fail, but the messages were ignored. The end result was the death of over 2,000 people and the displacement of about 1600 homes.
Picture Source: Johnstown Area Heritage Associaton
This house was found a half mile away from its original standing place, with a tree sticking out the side. Surprisingly, all members of the household survived.
Picture Source: http://www.post-gazette.com/life/lifestyle/2007/05/07/Minister-s-diaries-offer-eyewitness-account-of-1889-Johnstown-Flood/stories/200705070226