In March 1913, the rain swollen Olentangy River rose seven feet above the William Street Bridge during the greatest natural disaster in Ohio history. Across the state, the flood claimed 428 lives and destroyed more than 20,000 homes. In Delaware, the rain swollen river caused 18 deaths and demolished or damaged 57 homes. Heavy rains drove the river to 32 feet, 23 feet above flood stage, swamping parts of downtown and the eastside. On March 25, bridges at Central Avenue, Winter Street, and William Street were swept away. By noon that day, the Big Four railroad bridge, the last link between Delaware’s east and west side, collapsed under floodwaters and trapped debris and was carried downstream. Since the flood, better management of the Olentangy River watershed has improved water quality and safety, preserving the river’s important place in Delaware’s history.

Photo: Rev. Ronald Irick

Photo: Rev. Ronald Irick

Photo: Rev. Ronald Irick

Photo: Rev. Ronald Irick