The Great Flood of Dayton – March, 1913

Dayton, in southwest Ohio, lies at the juncture of three tributary rivers flowing into the Great Miami River.

When the city of Dayton, Ohio was laid out in 1795, local indigenous people warned of periodic flooding of the delta area.

But, proximity to water transportation was an asset to the new city – which became a thriving center of manufacturing and shipping.

It was connected by river and canals to Cincinnati and the Ohio River to the south.

From Good Friday until Easter Sunday of 1913, a series of three thunderstorms brought torrential rain over southwest Ohio.

Earlier cold temperatures left much of the ground frozen- which exacerbated the rapid run-off.

On Monday, the Great Miami River was at flood stage, and the waters continued to rise.

By Tuesday night, the river levees were overtopped and began to fail.

Sirens and alarms began blaring at midnight.

The flood waters rose rapidly to a height of 20 feet in the downtown area.

The amount of water rushing into the Great Miami River was equal to a month’s water flow over the Niagara Falls.

Broken gas mains led to devastating fires in some parts of the city.

More than 360 people died, and the loss of property marked this event as the greatest natural disaster in Ohio history.

There were inspiring stories of relief efforts, including the good works of the National Cash Register company whose factory was not damaged.

Employees of NCR built almost 300 flat-bottomed rescue boats.

Ohio Governor, James Cox, demonstrated civic leadership that has become the pattern for subsequent emergencies throughout the US – mobilizing the National Guard, requesting federal assistance of tents, medical supplies, and temporary kitchens, and coordinating plans with the national Red Cross.

The Dayton Flood also brought into existence the nation’s first regional flood prevention plan and led to conservancy areas being developed across the flood plain.

These postcard souvenirs were published in Dayton in 1913.